William Ralph Brown

William Ralph Brown Sr., age 83, of Dillsburg, passed away Saturday evening, February 24, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born September 10, 1941 in Newry, a son of the late Albert M. and Ruth E. (Ward) Brown. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith A. (Hite) Brown, whom he married Apr. 27, 1963 at St. Patrick Church, Newry.

Ralph is survived by his children: William R. Brown, Jr. of Hershey, Allen C. Brown (Megan) of Boiling Springs, and Jennifer A. Byers (William) of Dillsburg. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren: William Brown III (Bryan Gill), Farryn Brown, Tristen Menslage (Dakota), Darius Brown (Emily), Christopher Brown, Maria Brown, Alexa Brown, Isabella Brown, and Michael Brown; a great-grandson, Huntley Menslage; as well as his brothers: Ronald Brown (Vera), Ed Brown (Donna), Richard Brown (Beverly), and James Brown (Marlene); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kimberly; a brother, Albert “Junie” Brown; three sisters: Joanne Hite, Dorothy Sharp, and Sandra McGee; and a daughter-in-law, Helen F. Woltman-Brown.

Ralph was a 1960 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School, after which he served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a tank driver for 9 years. He retired from Teamsters driving tractor trailer, with over 3 million safe miles driven.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and watching their sporting events, going to Chincoteague, Virginia to flounder fish, feeding his deer, and telling all his crazy stories.

Ralph was loved by his family and friends. Anyone who had the honor to know him knew they were treated as family and never had a moment without laughter.

The memorial for Ralph, originally scheduled at 11am on Saturday, March 16, 2024, will be postponed until further notice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at nfwf.org or by mail: NFWF, 1625 Eye St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20006.

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