Obituary for Raymond Jesse Brown
Raymond Jesse Brown (Age 84)-A Life of Music, Service, and Love
Williston, Vermont- Raymond Jesse Brown, a devoted father, talented musician, and beloved member of the community, passed away on May 29, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born in Randolph to Harold and Dorothy (Spaulding) Brown and was a proud sixth-generation Vermonter.
After serving his country in US Air Force Bands in Kansas City and New York, Ray returned to Vermont where he married Roberta “Bobbi” Spooner in 1963.
Ray worked as a manager for Baileys Music Room and later became a District Manager for RCA, overseeing dealers in Vermont and New York. During this time he founded the Burlington Chess Club and served as its President for many years. In 1972, Ray opened Village TV & Appliance in Essex, operating it until its sale in 1979. Following this, he enjoyed a successful career as an insurance agent, eventually retiring in 1995 after a triumphant battle with cancer.
Ray's musical journey was extensive, spanning many decades. After serving with the Air Force Bands, he spent 18 years with the 40th Army Band and 35 years with the Burlington Concert Band, twelve as president. Ray also played in several musical groups at UVM, including the Vermont Wind Ensemble, UVM Brass Ensemble, and UVM Orchestra.
Ray had a deep appreciation for his family history and spent time tracing his family tree through more than ten generations in New England. In his leisure time he enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake Champlain. Ray was also fascinated by computers and digital photography, feeling fortunate to witness the technological revolution of his time. Ray shared his photography on the web at www.pbase.com/xray.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Bobbi, son Aaron, daughter-in-law Katie, cherished grandchildren, John and Miles, brother Richard of Braintree, and several nieces and nephews.
Raymond will be remembered as a talented musician, a loving family man, and a dedicated member of his community. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his music, his passions, and his kind spirit will live on in our hearts.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 7, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A graveside service will be held on June 8, 2023 at 11 a.m. in Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the UVM Cancer Center online at Donate to Cancer Center Donation Form (uvmhealth.org). Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
Williston, Vermont- Raymond Jesse Brown, a devoted father, talented musician, and beloved member of the community, passed away on May 29, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born in Randolph to Harold and Dorothy (Spaulding) Brown and was a proud sixth-generation Vermonter.
After serving his country in US Air Force Bands in Kansas City and New York, Ray returned to Vermont where he married Roberta “Bobbi” Spooner in 1963.
Ray worked as a manager for Baileys Music Room and later became a District Manager for RCA, overseeing dealers in Vermont and New York. During this time he founded the Burlington Chess Club and served as its President for many years. In 1972, Ray opened Village TV & Appliance in Essex, operating it until its sale in 1979. Following this, he enjoyed a successful career as an insurance agent, eventually retiring in 1995 after a triumphant battle with cancer.
Ray's musical journey was extensive, spanning many decades. After serving with the Air Force Bands, he spent 18 years with the 40th Army Band and 35 years with the Burlington Concert Band, twelve as president. Ray also played in several musical groups at UVM, including the Vermont Wind Ensemble, UVM Brass Ensemble, and UVM Orchestra.
Ray had a deep appreciation for his family history and spent time tracing his family tree through more than ten generations in New England. In his leisure time he enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake Champlain. Ray was also fascinated by computers and digital photography, feeling fortunate to witness the technological revolution of his time. Ray shared his photography on the web at www.pbase.com/xray.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Bobbi, son Aaron, daughter-in-law Katie, cherished grandchildren, John and Miles, brother Richard of Braintree, and several nieces and nephews.
Raymond will be remembered as a talented musician, a loving family man, and a dedicated member of his community. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his music, his passions, and his kind spirit will live on in our hearts.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 7, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A graveside service will be held on June 8, 2023 at 11 a.m. in Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the UVM Cancer Center online at Donate to Cancer Center Donation Form (uvmhealth.org). Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.