Phillip "Phil" Ray Brown

Phillip "Phil" Ray Brown On Thursday morning, April 20, 2017, before the sun came up over the sea he loved so much, Phillip "Phil" Ray Brown, 63, of Johns Island, South Carolina, husband of Trudy Locatelli, passed away surrounded by his loved ones. His quiet and uncomplaining demeanor throughout his eight-month battle with brain cancer was meritorious.The family will receive friends Sunday, April 23, 2017 in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. His Funeral Service will be held Monday, April 24, 2017 in Stuhr's West Ashley Chapel at 12:00 p.m.

Phil was born July 12, 1953 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, son of Mildred Crosby Brown and the late Cecil Brown. He was educated at James Island schools and was an Owner-Operator of Phil Brown Roofing. Through his career choice, it is safe to say that his view of the world as seen from the rooftops of the lowcountry was unlike anyone else's. You never knew when looking up around downtown Charleston that you may see Phil Brown. Except for a brief moment, Phil lived his entire life on James and Johns Islands. His special passion for Riverland Terrace is shared by many generations who have been fortunate to have been raised there. To them, the Fire Station is a place of worship. Watching the water rapidly flow through Elliott's Cut by sunrise, sunset or moon light created the calm no one could ever take away.

Phil's love for fishing, especially with great friends and family, was a favorite past time, especially if there were jokes involved. His baritone voice was a recognizable trait. He was always equipped with a glad hand, a smile and hug. When a woman heard Come Here Girl, you knew there was a great hug getting ready to take place. His quiet way of helping his friends and never asking anything in return was admired. He lived by The Golden Rule.Phil was featured in the 2015 documentary The Mighty Rams, a documentary about the events associated with racial integration at James Island High School and in the South. Few could share on film what he did about such a poignant time in our history.

He is survived by his wife, Trudy Locatelli of Johns Island, SC; mother, Mildred Brown of James Island, SC; daughter, Katheryne "Nikki" Nicole Brown of Greenville, SC; sister, Cathy Schlumbrecht of Santa Cruz, CA; two brothers, Cecil Pee Wee Brown, jr. of Charleston, SC, Johnny Brown (Mott) of Branchville, SC; many nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Frank R. Locatelli, and three brother-in-law's, Rick Locatelli (Lynette), Mike Locatelli (Jeanne), Frank Locatelli (Teresa) all of California. Additional loved one's include the Wiedemann and Crosby families. He was predeceased by a brother, Henry Porky Brown, and sister, Doris Ann Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, 29 Leinbach Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 or a Charity of one's choice, in memory of his sister Doris Ann Brown and honoring Phil's life.