RICHARD ‘DICK’ BROWN

Dick was born in Hillman in 1920 and graduated from Hillman in 1938. He was the last surviving member of his class.

A WWII Army veteran, a Golden Gloves Welterweight Champion, and an outstanding athlete, he loved his Hillman Tigers and was found at most sporting events in Hillman. He was inducted into the Hillman Sports Hall of Fame and “The Richard Brown Trailblazers Award” was established in 2016.

Dick is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Ed Mahoney, with whom he lived for three of the last four years of his life. He is also survived by two granddaughters — Hillary (Josh) Olance and Kasey Mahoney (Patrick Mann). Being a great-grandfather to Grant, Olivia, and Gage Olance and Teagan Mann was the joy of his life. He is also survived by his brother Charlie and sister-in-law Maggie Brown and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Nerine Draker, in 2011. His parents, Jess and Aileen Brown, siblings Bob, Joe, Adelaide, Ida, and Geraldine also preceded him, as well as their spouses and several nieces and nephews and his beloved great-granddaughter, Caragh Mahoney Mann.

He was treasurer for the Village of Hillman for more than 30 years, and both he and Nerine retired from Morrison’s IGA in 1985. After retirement he traded the snow for the sand and golf courses in Gulf Shores, Alabama where they enjoyed many winters with family and friends.

Dick was often asked to be the master of ceremonies at both sports and community events and his sense of humor and kindness will never be forgotten.

As a founding member of the B & D Hunting Camp, he leaves behind many friends, hunting partners, and stories about the “one that got away. ”

For anyone wanting to honor his memory, a scholarship is being established at Hillman High School for student athletes who will be furthering their education.

If wealth isn’t measured by the money you have in the bank, but by the friends you have in your heart……he was incredibly wealthy.