Paul Brown, age 64, a cherished member of our community, passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson, South Carolina, with his wife and daughter by his side on November 11 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Son of Aubrey L. and Myrl W. Brown, Paul was born in Seoul, South Korea, on June 12, 1959.
Growing up, Paul enjoyed travels with his parents and spent time living in Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado, New Mexico, and Florida; he especially loved the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He graduated early from Highland High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1975. He graduated in 1978 from Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia, where he met Deborah, the love of his life.
Paul was an avid lover of nature and especially enjoyed wildflowers and waterfalls. He leaves his wife with many treasured memories of hikes together in the Georgia and Carolina mountains and South Carolina Lowcountry.
From an early age, Paul was fascinated with old coins and took employment in stamp and coin shops in Melbourne, Florida, and the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, becoming manager of Stamp and Coin at Gwinnett Place Mall. He later owned and operated Collection Connection in downtown Toccoa, Georgia, selling comic books and sports memorabilia. He retired from Sage Automotive, where he worked for over 30 years as an automotive interior technician.
Paul was a faithful member of St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church. He was a licensed lay reader and led morning prayer on many occasions with inspiring recitations. An enthusiastic helper among his church family, he participated whenever able in fellowship and community oriented activities.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, grandson Constantine J. Furst, special aunt Shirley Wilemon Ramsey, and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah; cherished daughter, Jessica Furst (John); two brothers-in-law, Robert Frady and Richard Frady; nephew Vance Frady (Kim); nieces Allison Nissen (Thor) and Lindsay Thomas, great-nephews Graham Nissen, Reid Nissen, Holden Thomas, and JW Thomas, and beloved cat Agatha.
A requiem mass for Paul will be held on November 29 at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church in Alto, GA, followed by a visitation with the Brown family in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church or Habersham County Animal Shelter.
Paul’s kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on those who knew him. May we find comfort in the memories of a life well lived and in the rest he shares with his Father. Rest in peace, Paul.
