Russell Brown

TROY – Russell Brown, 91, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 8, 2020 surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Dinwiddie, VA, he was the son of the late David and Ethel (Darden) Brown. Russell is predeceased by six brothers and five sisters, and one surviving brother David William "Bubba" Brown, of Dinwiddie, Va.

Russell is predeceased by his wife Alberta Pryor Brown and their five surviving children, Larry (Desmond) of Hudson, NY, Sandra, Ronnie (Brenda), Carney of Troy, NY, and Carolyn of Hopewell, VA. He is also predeceased by his first wife Lillie Mae and their one son Charlie Russell and two surviving daughters Russelyn Smith (Gerald) of Richmond, VA and Doris L. Brown (Fayetteville, NC). Russell is also survived by one son Wyatt Kingston of Richmond, VA, David and Michelle of Troy, NY and Kimberly of Schenectady, NY; seventeen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Brown attended Dinwiddie Training School. Always willing to learn and improve himself, he also took courses at the Educational Opportunity Center. He was a hard worker often holding down two-to-three jobs. Although most people will remember him as a mechanic and the proprietor of Brown's and Sons, over the course of his life he was also an entrepreneur, the proud owner of a Sunoco Gas Station in Troy, on the site where the current Bethel Baptist Church parking lot is situated. He was insightful, always seizing an opportunity. When the gas crisis occurred in the late 70s, Russell purchased two sixteen passenger vans and started a business transporting workers--without automobiles--to their jobs in Albany.
In March 2015, Russell was recognized and received citations from the Rensselaer County Executive, the New York State Assembly and the Troy City Council President for his dedication and service in the United States Army.

He enjoyed fast cars and Jaguars, having owned at least five. One of his great passions was attending car shows. Russell also enjoyed visiting Lake George and traveling to Washington, DC and Virginia to spend time with his family. He is a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

A calling hour will be held Monday, September 14, 2020 from 10am to 11am at New Comer, 181 Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY 12189. A funeral service will follow starting promptly at 11am. Interment will be held at Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy.

Gathering size, within the chapels will be based on the most current NYS occupancy requirements. Masks are required, and social distancing is to be observed inside and outside of the chapels.