William Hale Brown

William Hale Brown, 88, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2017, in Abilene, Texas.

Born in Hester, Oklahoma, on March 24, 1929, William was the first-born son of Nellie Mae (Howard) and Norman Earl Brown.

He was a Korean War veteran and married Mary Jo Harvey on June 10, 1953, in Lovington, New Mexico. William was a self-employed carpenter and builder. He was a member of Elmcrest Baptist Church in Abilene.

After coming to know Christ as his savior at the age of thirty-two, his greatest joy was to share his faith with others. He used his spiritual gift of encouragement to bless those he met, and among family and friends he was appreciated for his quick wit and sense of humor. To his grandchildren he was known as their pony pal and fishing buddy.

William was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jo, his parents, eight sisters, and two brothers.

William is survived by his son, Billy Joe Brown and wife Patricia of Trenton, Tennessee; daughter, Annell Harris and husband Dwayne of Abilene; five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM Thursday, December 28, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.  Funeral services will be 11:30 AM. Friday, December 29, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home chapel officiated by Rev. Billy Brown, Rev. Jerry Vincent, and Rev. C.L. Atkinson.  Burial will follow in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. 

Memorials may be made to Elmcrest Baptist Church, 517 N. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79603.