Robert Gene Brown was born to Clifton Brown Jr. and Doris Jean McCallister Brown on December 04, 1973 in Yazoo City, Mississippi. His birth was at home just like the rest of his nine siblings. He was born child number six of ten children plus two half siblings. He grew up in the country, on a plantation where his father was the primary worker and provider for the family. It was hard work, sunrise to sunset six days a week. The parents and children worked together caring for the family and humble home and vast garden they relied on for much of their food.

Throughout Robert’s life, whenever he’d sit down for a meal, he’d stay very quiet while eating quickly; he’d learned from those early days that if one wanted to have enough to eat in a family of twelve, you needed to jump in and start consuming your food fast. Fishing in catfish ponds (while avoiding water moccasin snakes), lively at-home gymnastic competitions between siblings and the neighbor’s children, and many other creative activities filled his childhood. Much of Roberts extended family, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and so forth, lived in surrounding areas and were important relationships to Robert. Life had good times but many very hard times. Roberts mother Doris, affectionately referred to as “Doll”, became ill with cancer in September of 1987. The family cared for her at home, taking turns to watch over her, until she passed away in September of 1988. Robert was 14-years-old, with four young siblings still at home. Roberts older siblings helped his father, Clifton, care for the children.

That same year, 1988, Robert needed a change and chose to move to Chicago’s Southside to live with his Aunt Elizabeth, his mother’s sister. She welcomed him in her home. Robert’s oldest half-brother, Percy and many cousins also welcomed him to Chicago. Robert lived in Chicago for five years and learned a lot about city life. He had to become streetwise to navigate his way around on the Chicago public transportation system, at times avoiding gang warfare, etc. One day while riding the city bus Robert spotted two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints (LDS), whom he recognized by their clothing and name tags. Roberts Mississippi family had been visited many times by some brave LDS missionaries (brave because they were often greeted at the front door by his father holding a shotgun). Everyone in his family became fond of the LDS missionaries (except his father). Robert chose to be with baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints while in Chicago. At nights when he’d return home to his aunts there’d be rumors in the neighborhood to provide extra protection for Robert from gang conflict because Robert was considered a peacemaker and was nicknamed “Church boy” by the locals. Robert made many friends at home and from church who remained good friends throughout his life.

At age nineteen, Robert moved to Provo Utah… it was a big culture shock going from Mississippi to Chicago to Utah, but he found his way and made good friends while in Utah. It’s also where he dated and then married his wife, Valee Drewes, on June 3, 1994 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His time in Utah gave him many positive opportunities. He attended college while working in managerial and sales positions in both the photography and the newspaper business. During this time, he was a stepfather to a son, Alexander, and became a father to a daughter, April. His life was busy and blessed. Going to the park as a family was a common outing along with spending time with Valee’s extended family (sisters, nieces, nephews, etc.).

In August of 2000, the family relocated to Orange County California, Robert had taken a position with the LA Times. For several years he continued to work with the Times and other newspaper agencies building circulation. He had a talent working with people due to his charismatic personality, keen intellect and hard work ethic. He also did some work as a Psyche Tech and with Room and Board Furniture for a period of time. But his primary calling along with being a family man, was in sales and management. Robert worked in medical device sales and moved on to Medical Management for Physicians. His management company grew due to his vision and hard work. As CEO he provided management services in Nevada and California but primarily in San Diego, CA. Many business relationships were formed during the years, which also became friendships. His work team will forever be appreciated by Robert and his family. Roberts medical management company now carries on with his family.

Robert connected easily with most people, of all ages, types, backgrounds, etc. Children gravitated to him. He enjoyed playing games with them and loved telling BIG stories to both children and adults. Listeners were always left guessing if the stories were true, and about fifty percent of them actually were true. Robert’s own story in some ways is bigger than life. He went from a very small town in the South with much to overcome, to Chicago learning big city life while also surviving many life and death situations, to Utah with its unique culture along with its many opportunities, to Coastal living in Southern California, where he founded and grew a successful business and enjoyed many important friendships. Above all he deeply loved his family; his wife of 28 years, his daughter and son-in-law, and step-son. He loved his entire family, friends and work associates. He loved the Lord. He had many obstacles over the years, most of which he overcame. He would say many times that he had much to be proud of and much to be grateful for in his life. Robert passed on after a brief illness on October 4, 2022 at UCI Hospital in Orange, CA.

He is preceded in death by both his parents; Clifton Brown Jr. (Doris Jean McCallister Brown).  He is survived by his wife, Valee Drewes Brown, his Step son, Alexander Saadeh, his daughter April McCallister Brown Holmes (Mark Isaac Holmes). He’s also survived by 6 brothers, Clifton Brown lll (Shameisha), Charles Brown (Annie), Michael Brown (Michaela), Bengy Brown (Laura), Ruben Brown (Andrea), Keith Maurice Brown (Kristin), Half-brother, Percy Ray (Veronica). He’s survived by 3 sisters: Mary Diane Brown, Patricia Brown Wilson (Dan), Janice Denise Brown Agala (Paul), 1 Half-sister, Gloria Ray. And many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews too.

Robert is loved. He is missed. His legacy lives on and we honor him always and forever.

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