Ezekiel Brown, Jr.

Ezekiel “Pappy” Brown, Jr., the eldest Son of the late Ezekiel Brown, Sr. & Queen Ester Eaddy Brown, was born on May 10, 1947, in Florence County, SC. He transitioned on October 26, 2020, at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Ezekiel attended Florence County Public Schools, graduating from Wilson Senior High School in 1965. While at Wilson, he worked at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as well as a student bus driver. After high school, he began a career with The Paper Mill, now known as Westrock. Always having “the voice,” and desiring a career in radio, he graduated from the infamous Carolina School of Broadcasting in Charlotte, NC. In the early 1970s, Ezekiel launched his career in radio, and became known as “Bob Brown.” In an era when Black radio announcers were scarce, Bob Brown became one of the first Black radio personalities to hit the airwaves of WJMX-Florence. He embarked on a successful career in radio broadcasting that spanned over 25 years and took him to several radio stations throughout South Carolina. He spent the majority of his radio career at the world-renowned Radio Baha’i - Hemingway, SC, which afforded him opportunities in broadcasting that took him to Africa, Ecuador, and various other international destinations. After retiring from radio, he worked as a civilian mechanic with the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC until his retirement in 2011. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. “Pops”, as he was affectionately called by customers, could be found most mornings assisting his son at Soule’ Coffee, often sharing a laugh or story with customers. These morning “sessions” became so popular that many came every morning just to see him: the coffee was an added bonus! Moreover, he also assisted his daughter and son-in-law as a Non-Emergency Medical Transporter with Royal Agency, LLC. He was often commended by clients and inspectors for his wit and compassion, ALWAYS being on time, the cleanliness of his van and his impeccable dress - his uniform was always accompanied by a blazer and one of his signature caps. In his spare time, he could be found zipping around on his John Deere, making sure everyone’s lawn was neatly manicured, sitting in his truck talking on his CB, or working on his 74 Volkswagen Beetle. As a connoisseur of history and current events, he welcomed a good intellectual debate. He followed the current elections closely, and stressed the power of the vote. To that end, he stood in line nearly two hours last Thursday to cast, unbeknownst to him, his final vote! At an early age, Ezekiel joined St. Paul AME Church, Claussen, SC. He was an active member of King Solomon Lodge #356. Ezekiel will be sadly missed by his wife, Minister Verneda Daniels Brown; his children, Wanda (Tyrone) Joe, eZra Brown, Radiance Gibson, and Malik Brown; His beloved only grandchild, Cameron Tyler Joe and his furry companion, Duke; Brothers: Mack E. Brown, Rev. Davie (Lisa) Brown, Joseph P. Brown and Michael C. Brown. Sisters: Margie B. Durant, Diann B. Brown, Sara Brown-Collins, Rose M. Brown, Cynthia A. Brown, and Faith T. Brown. Uncle: Joe (Veronica) Mouzon; Aunts: Betty B. Eaddy, Mary “Sister” Brown; Five Brothers-in-law; Nine Sisters in Law, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Maelean Brown-Myers, and a brother Joel Kendrick Brown.