Raymond Brown

Raymond Lavon Brown, 96, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on October 8, 1929, in Waycross, Georgia, Raymond was the son of the late F.O. “Bill” Brown and Eva Mae Tyre Brown. He attended Glennville High School and Palmer College before serving his country in both the United States Army and the United States Air National Guard.

Raymond dedicated much of his professional life to public service. He retired as the State Director of the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Agency (Civil Defense) after 28 years of faithful service to the citizens of South Carolina. His leadership, commitment, and sense of responsibility left a lasting impact on the communities he served.

A man of strong faith, Raymond was an active member of Holland Avenue Baptist Church, where he served as a past deacon and participated faithfully in the life of the church. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening, and the occasional cigar.

Raymond shared 66 years of marriage with his sweet wife, Betty Morris Brown, who preceded him in death on October 11, 2020. Together they built a loving family and a legacy that continues through future generations.

He is survived by his children, Michael Ray Brown (Lynne), Kristi Jean Lambert (Alcide “Bud”), Beverly Brown Waters, Roger Alan Brown (Teresa), and Allison Brown Stafford (Tom); eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Reba Van Meter.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Bertha Mae Sapp, Billy Brown, Louise Davis, Johnny Brown, and Annie Merle Brown.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in the Chapel of Hope at Southland Memorial Gardens in West Columbia, South Carolina. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Hope. Both the visitation and funeral service are open to the public.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff who provided Raymond with compassionate care during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MSA Hospice, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210, or to Holland Avenue Baptist Church, 801 12th Street, Cayce, SC 29033.

Raymond will be remembered as a faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, public servant, and steadfast Christian - a steady and unwavering presence in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His life was marked by service, determination, and love for his family.