MAJOR VIRGIL I. BROWN, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department (Ret.), age, 79, of Sherwood, Ark. and former resident of Jefferson County, departed Friday, Nov. 7, 2014. He was born Nov. 26, 1934 near Keo, Ark. to the late Nicholas and Bridgie Brown of Sherrill, Ark.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Brown; sisters, Irene Brown Jones Fuller, Elwanda Brown Merriman and grandson, Brian Keith Brown.
Survivors include his loving wife, Bonnie Brown of 58 years of marriage; sons, Keith Brown and his wife, Cindy of Little Rock and Kevin Brown and his wife, Angie of Sherwood; sisters, Ruby Ricketson, Barbara Smith, Kathryn Power, Chrystine Kelly and brother, Nicholas "Jerry" Brown; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
He attended school at Sherrill, Ark. then joining the Army during the latter part of the Korean War, serving in Korea, Japan and in the states as a military police officer for over 10 years. He then began a 35 year long civilian law enforcement career, which included the Pine Bluff Police Department, Camden Police Department and 22 years with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, retiring as a major over the criminal investigation division. He was F.B.I. National Academy graduate and a certified law enforcement instructor.
He was of the Baptist faith and attended Cross Roads Free Will Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Ark. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with many memorable outings with his sons, Keith and Kevin. He confided that his wife was the ideal mate, loving, caring, supportive and a good mother to their sons.
Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. before the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116 (501-791-7400). Interment will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

Published November 9, 2014