Joe Earl Brown , age 87 of Bonifay, FL, entered into the presence of the Lord on September 13, 2025. Joe was born on January 17, 1938 and was the son of Jessie and Beady Brown of Bonifay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert Brown and sister Jeanette Jenkins. Joe served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean war and received an honorable discharge with the rank of Private First Class. He worked for many years at the Monsanto Chemical Complex in Pensacola, FL before losing his eyesight to glaucoma. Despite being totally blind, he spent his final years living alone and taking care of his childhood home on Virginia Avenue in Bonifay.
Joe will be remembered for his kind heart, positive outlook, and quick wit. He played defensive end for the hometown Blue Devils and was a formidable presence on the field. He also loved to skate and was said to be quite talented on the rink. He lived on Escambia Bay for many years and was an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed fast cars and was well known for the “Smokey and the Bandit” Trans Am he owned. He had many friends and will be missed by everyone who knew him. A heartfelt thanks to the hospice staff and family members who helped make his final months special.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Sims Funeral Home in Bonifay with the funeral service to follow at 10:00 AM and interment to follow at Hickory Hill Baptist Church in Westville, FL. Flowers and plants in Joe’s memory will be received at Sims Funeral Home.
