Melvin Lowell Brown Jr.'s Obituary
Melvin Lowell Brown, Jr., 75, departed this life on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Melvin was born on October 15, 1942 in Galesville, Maryland to the late Gladys M. (Booze) Brown, and Melvin L. Brown, Sr. He was the eldest of three, and the father of three children; Melvin L. Brown, Natoshia M. Brown, and the late Robert L. Brown Sr.
Melvin began his early education at the former Churchton Elementary School, which later became an addition to Lula G. Scott Elementary School in Shady Side, Maryland. He continued his formal education in Anne Arundel County; graduating from Wiley H. Bates High School in Annapolis, Maryland.
Melvin – who was known for being a quiet man - a trait he acquired from his parents – enjoyed one of his favorite past times as a young man. Out of a love of music he became a founding member of a local band called The Caravans. He performed as the lead saxophone player in the group. During this time there were many local bands in the area, but The Caravans were equally well known and performed in several local venues. Occasionally, when James Brown – The Godfather of Soul – came to town he would hire The Caravans as a backup band. At one point there was even talk of Melvin touring with James Brown.
Melvin enjoyed other past times like transforming race cars to his own specifications. He could create anything from custom paints to rebuilding engines. He loved to race his cars at Budd’s Creek and The Capital Raceway. Although he rarely won, his two sons enjoyed watching him race his cars; so win or lose, the excitement of the day meant he was always a winner to them.
Melvin worked as a Waterman with his father on the Chesapeake Bay during the winter months. During warmer weather he often worked in the construction industry. At the time of his passing he was retired and living a quiet and reserved life.
To those who knew him best he shared significant relationships. Being a quiet and somewhat of a solitary person, he was still loved and cared about by his family and friends. As adults, before the passing of his brother, the two of them kept in touch and spent quality time together. Several friends and confidants have shared stories of their interactions and friendships with him. His presence will be missed.
Melvin is survived by a son and daughter, Melvin L. and Natoshia, M. Brown; a grandson Robert L. Brown, Jr.; and sister Carol Ann Gross of Annapolis, Maryland. His other surviving relatives include aunts Florine Thompson of Shady Side, Maryland, and Dorothea McCullers (Mack) of Annapolis Maryland; uncles Melvin Booze (Juanita) of Annapolis, Maryland, and Marshall M. Nick, Sr. of Churchton, Maryland, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including a, Alice Robinson of Glen Burnie, Maryland.
He was preceded in death by his son, Robert L. Brown, Sr., and brother, Julius M. Brown.
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