Donald “Doc” Brown, 73, passed away on March 9, 2011 in Norfolk. Born February 26, 1938 in Clinch County, GA, graduated from Culver Military Academy and went on to serve as a U.S. Marine for 16 years. He retired in 1994 from the Norfolk Police Department after 26 years of service. He was awarded Norfolk Policeman of the Year in 1973. Doc was a great dad, granddad, and a good friend to all that knew him.
He is survived by sons Roy, Thomas, and Travis Brown; daughter Darby Brown-Phillips; grandsons Thomas Dennis, Tyler Phillips, and Travis Brown Jr.; and granddaughters Karson Hill and Angel Brown.
A funeral service with military honors will be held on Saturday, March 12th at 1 p.m. at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations, 5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach with Rev. Chris Amos officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) by using the link on this web page.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Virginia and Steve Peoples for the love, support, and care that you gave to our dad.
Please share a condolence with the family by using the online guestbook.
Send Flowers
I didn’t know him as well as I would have liked to. However, he left an impression on me when I met him. I’m glad to know he was surrounded by those he loved the past few weeks of his life. He has a great family and I’m sure he knew it. My condolences to the family.
May your memory live forever in the many hearts of the MANY people you touched. Rest in peace. I pray the loss in the hearts of your loved ones will be quickly filled with all the great love you left behind.
My thoughts are with your family.
I love and will always miss him
I heard he liked puppies, and there is not a better man in the world than the ones who like puppies. My condolences on your loss of a great man, who without a doubt, has left a legacy of many wonderful memories.
I will sure miss him,he sure was a good man with a big heart ,and a really good since of humor.left me good memory’s and a few good story’s….
Doc you will be missed by many R I P godbless
Every time I have ever tried to explain you…I seem to be at a loss for words. I feel as people think I’m exaggerating when I say you are pretty much a crazy old man and you told the dirtiest jokes haha. That’s why I love you though 🙂 You met a few of my closest friends over the years and have made a long lasting impression on every single one of them. However on top of all the experiences my friends and I both remember, I have my own experiences with you..our own set of laughs and bonding moments..and heated moments as well of course. But they’re all memories that I’ll ALWAYS cherish. You were a great man grandad..you still are and always will be. I love you and miss you…And I still think we’re the two only perfect people in this world. ¦
I am so sorry for your loss. Doc will be missed terribly on sunshine ave.He was a great influence in my young life.
Your Memory will live on in the Hearts of People you touched, and the Lives you had a impact on. I feel Honored to have met you and I will always Treasure the time i got to be in your Presense. Even though its been Years since I’ve seen you I have never forgot you or your Daughter. You are Loved but God Loved your More.R.I.P
Sorry for your loss Darby and im here for you ….
Sorry Darby, about your dad. You can spot a Marine from across the room. As a former Marine myself, I know your dad has new orders and he is now guarding the Gates of Heaven. Again, I am sorry for your loss. Semper Fi!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of what I am most positive was a wonderful and caring individual. This is such a beautiful way to honor and celebrate his life. Rest in peace.
My prays are with you and will be here if you need anything. We miss him.
Doc, You have touched my life in so many ways. You were like my dad away from dad. I didnt always like what you said but you spoke the truth. I love you dearly and you will be missed.
You were quite a fun loving,unique and funny, good caring man! I know your up there and merry as you always were! Rest peacefully Doc, and I will always think of you every time I see a silver dollar! 😉
We are very sorry for your family’s loss .
RIP IN PEACE FRIEND
GOD knew that everyone needs
Companionship and cheer,
He knew that people need someone
Whose thoughts are always near.
He knew they need someone kind
To lend a helping hand.
Someone to gladly take the time
To care and understand.
GOD knew that we all need someone
To share each happy day,
To be a source of courage
When troubles come our way.
Someone to be true to us,
Whether near or far apart.
Someone whose love we’ll always
Hold and treasure in our hearts.
That’s Why GOD Gave Us Friends
May you be at Peace now DOC.
A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You’re free at last.
~ Charlie Daniels
Thanks for the happy times. Love, Kimberley Johnson
He this is hard but i loved him and will allways love him he was allways like a Father, Best Friend ,Teacher to me and more there are not words to explan !!
doc was a great man and friend he will be missed by us all
Going to miss you Doc!
~TO THE FAMILY~
MY PRECIOUS CHILD.I LOVE YOU AND WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU.
WHEN YOU SEE ONLY ONE SET OF FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND,IT WAS THEN THAT I CARRIED YOU!
Darby i’m so sorry for ur loss but as we all know heaven has now recieve a very fine man. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love Always
Doc – you were one of those people who made life more interesting. You told the best stories, which still make me laugh when I tell them to others. Everyone who knew you knows that you had a rough exterior most of the time, but your heart was made of pure gold. Many of the words of wisdom you spoke to me still sticks in my head and I find myself quoting you a lot. Your views on life were unique and you were honest with your opinions. You were always there to give me a dose of reality when I needed it. I’m glad that you were there to put things into perspective for me. You were many things to many people – father, grandfather, friend, confidant, teacher, and protector (who else but Doc could you call on to be in your corner if you needed him to be on your side?). You once told me that you’d rather be needed than loved, but to me you were both. Your strength, character, sense of humor, and wisdom lives on in your children and grandchildren. You treated me like family when my own wasn’t there for me, and that I will never forget. I miss you my friend.
Doc, you were a good friend. You gave me good advice; some of which I wish I had taken. Rest in peace dear friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family and their friends…
I dont even know where to begin. It was like yesterday I met you! You were an amazingly funny man who always made me laugh, spoiled me with present, and let me beat up Travis 😉 you will truly be missed but never forgotten!! Luv ya lotz DOC
We met Doc breafley Several years back. We saw him as if we already knew him for a long time. He was the type of person that you would want to be like some day. Doc will be missed by tons of friends.
RIP “DOC” I’ve missed the joke’s you would allways come up with on the job
NPD 1982-2007
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
I was so fortunate to know Doc. A person who was always good to me. There were times in my police career I needed a friend and a smile and Doc was there. And for that I am thankful.
I remember Doc well, he gave me my first ticket when I was a juvenile. He was so kind about it though. Several years later when I became a Police Officer I got up with Doc and we had a good laugh. He was a very good person and a dedicated Police Officer. May he rest in the arms of the angels now. God Bless him and his family.
Doc and I worked together for a long time and I know he will be missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. Seeing Doc’s picture and hearing his name brings back a lot of good memories.
Thoughts and prayers for family and caregiver. God Bless.
Darby and family, I’m so sorry to learn of Doc’s passing. I will miss those “Old Bull Old Goat” sessione we had. Please don’t hesitate of there is ANYTHING we can do for y’all
My deepest sympathy to Doc’s family and friends. Doc was an “old school” type of cop and always looked out for the young ones in his own special way. Everyone who knew and worked with Doc learned alot and will always be grateful. Rest in Peace Doc
Grandad you would have been so worried about Bobby today with that earthquake and him being in Japan…but he is safe now! Love you and always thinking of you..
Doc was a great person and a valued friend, true and honest to his word. Through thick and thin, he was always there for you when you needed a hand. He was always first to tell you how it is, when it was candy-coated by others. Many times, people need to hear the truth and Doc was there to do so. He was a very wise and caring man. He taught me many things in which I will never forget, like how to make a boat rack out of 2×4’s and mount it to the top of your minivan. I will miss him very much.
My sympathies to Darby and his sons. This is a difficult time and I wish you all the best.
Hi Folks, Donald was a good friend, and co-worker. I worked with Donald most of his 26 years with Norfolk P/D, and again prt-time in our retirement time with THR, Holiday Inn and crestline Marriott. He was a good buddy to have! Respectfully, Bernie McPhatter Semper Fi to Donald
Doc was a well loved man. he will be missed very much. my thoughts go out to everyone that knew him. he could make you laugh, and make you mad at the same time. miss you much Doc
I,m so sorry to hear of your dads passing My thoughts are with you. Doc.thanks for the lessons in life so long pal I,L miss youwwdjbb
Our condolences to Darby and family. Your Dad will be missed.
Dad,You and I have been through so much over the years. We didn’t always see eye to eye but no matter what we had each others back. You showed me how to stay calm in bad situations which came in handy today at your service.It was a beautiful service and I think you would had been very proud of all of your children and grandchildren. I love you more then words could ever express. You will always be in my thoughts and never away from my heart.You were my hero! I was always so proud to say you “Yes,Doc Brown is MY DAD” I know that you are in Heaven with Mom and you are in no more pain. One day we will be together again.I miss you so very much.I gave you my word to make sure everything will be ok and I promise you I will make everything we talked about happen.I LOVE YOU DAD AND I MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH!! I WILL KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!! I LOVE YOU NOW AND FOREVER,
YOUR ONLY DAUGHTER,
Darby
Still think about you all the time…Love you
In my heart always & I beleave & know your in a place of love, peace,. Love always Helene
Dad its been a little over a year now and I miss you now just as much as I did then. I think about you everyday and I would give anything to talk to you and to hear your voice. I love and miss you Dad.e
Just stopping in to say hi…love and miss you always
I know you have a bigger smile on your face now that Tommy Grimes is up there with you. Dont be to hard on him he’s the new guy! I Love and Miss you Dad! I think about you everyday and you are in my dreams everynight.
Hey Doc…thought about you alot today…even listened to the highwayman. Would be real nice to have you here with me and kat right now to go thru this..but then guess its a good thang your not. Miss you alot Doc and your words of wisdom..please give tommy a hug for me. I will see ya’ll soon..love you