Billy Brown

ANNA, Ill. -- Billy J. Brown, 77, of Anna died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Ill.

He was born on Feb. 25, 1928, in Dongola, Ill., son of Albert and Mae Johnson Brown. He and Corinne Durrett were married June 28, 1947.

He graduated from Dongola High School. He worked as a salesman and bookkeeper at Karraker Chevrolet in Dongola and worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War.

He was also active in real estate, developing Crestwood Estates subdivision in Lake of Egypt. He was regional director of drivers' services with the Illinois Secretary of State until his retirement.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Dongola, Dongola Lodge 581 AF&AM, a 50-year member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine Temple, past worthy patron and a 50-year member of Eastern Star, Cairo Flying Club, and member and past commander of both Miller-Maning American Legion Post and Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455.

Survivors include his wife, Corinne Brown.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Anna. Masonic service will be at 7 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with Ruth Hansen and the Rev. Lucien Bozarth officiating. Burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 3455.