Vinson E. Brown Jr., a Respected Figure in Temple, Passes Away at 83

Temple, UK – Vinson E. Brown Jr., a prominent figure in the Temple community, sadly passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. He was 83 years old. Born on December 7, 1939, in Temple, Texas, Vinson was the beloved son of Vinson E. Brown Sr. and Josie Ann Brown.

Vinson graduated from Temple High School as part of the esteemed class of 1958. Pursuing higher education, he attended Temple Junior College before embarking on a remarkable 42-year career in the newspaper industry. Vinson dedicated his talents as the production manager over composing at The Temple Daily Telegram. The newspaper owes much of its success to Vinson’s unwavering commitment. In 1975, Vinson found love and companionship when he married the love of his life, Hallie Ann Ward. Just this past March, they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary, marking a lifetime of cherished memories.

Vinson was a devout Christian and a member of Meadow Oaks Baptist Church, where he was baptized. In his later years, he attended both Temple Bible Church and Dyess Grove Baptist Church, further deepening his faith. Vinson possessed an adventurous spirit and loved exploring different parts of the United States. He took great joy in embarking on various adventures with Ann, his beloved wife, along with their children and grandchildren. Additionally, Vinson had a passion for golf, spending many hours on the green. His life was marked by two significant achievements: earning his pilot’s license in 1990 and, ultimately, earning his wings to heaven in 2023.

Vinson is preceded in death by his sisters Mary Bunkley and brother-in-law Shelley Bolsins, nephew John Bolsins, father-in-law OJ Ward, mother-in-law Betty Ward, and grandson Austin Smith. Although these losses have undoubtedly left a void, Vinson leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ann, along with his daughters Shelisa (Brown) Courtain and her significant other, Russ Nelson. Shelisa’s children, Candace Howeth, Cody Courtain, Colton Courtain, and Courtney King, also mourn the loss of their beloved grandfather. Tonya (Williams) Drake, Vinson’s daughter, and her husband Nelson Drake, grieve alongside their children, Chance Drake, Renee Retana, Cayleigh (Drake) Ripley, Dylan Ripley, and Chase Drake. Misty (Brown) Daniels, Vinson’s other daughter, and her husband Neil Daniels, are joined in mourning by their children, Caitlin Stanke, Chris Dutton, Ciara Stanke, and James Hammond. Vinson’s sister, Vanny Bolsins, brother-in-law Barry Ward, along with his wife Jeanie Ward, and sister-in-law Peggy Coleman, and her husband Red Coleman, also remember him fondly. Vinson’s memory will live on through his 11 great-grandchildren, Michael Howeth II, Stetson Howeth, Hayleigh Howeth, Elliote Wheeler, Kole Drake, Bowen Drake, Grayson Drake, Layla Drake, Kinleigh Ripley, Karsyn Ripley, and Kyler Ripley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The community is invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 1:00pm at the funeral home.

In honor of Vinson’s memory, those who wish to make a special contribution may donate to the National Park Foundation. This organization aligns with Vinson’s love for nature and the great outdoors.

About Vinson E. Brown Jr.

Vinson E. Brown Jr. was a highly respected member of the Temple community. Born on December 7, 1939, in Temple, Texas, Vinson dedicated his life to the newspaper industry, serving as the production manager over composing at The Temple Daily Telegram for over four decades. He married Hallie Ann Ward in 1975, and together they shared 48 beautiful years of marriage. Vinson was an adventurous spirit, often embarking on travels around the United States with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Additionally, he was an avid golfer.

A Life Well-Lived

Vinson’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones, but his legacy of love, faith, and dedication will forever be remembered. He is survived by his wife Ann, daughters Shelisa Courtain, Tonya Drake, and Misty Daniels, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The community will have the opportunity to pay their respects during the visitation on August 18, 2023, and a service of remembrance will be held on August 19, 2023.

Donations in Memory of Vinson E. Brown Jr.

In lieu of flowers, individuals may choose to make a donation to the National Park Foundation. Vinson had a deep appreciation for nature and the great outdoors, making this organization a fitting choice to honor his memory.

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