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Paul Wilbur Brown, 97, of Charlotte, N.C. passed away on 18 January 2017. A former resident of Lake Norman, he spent the last 4 years at Wilkes Senior Village, North Wilkesboro, N.C. Paul was born in Akron, Ohio on October 7, 1919. He attended Kent State University before leaving to serve his country in World War II. Paul enlisted in December 1942 and after training was commissioned a second lieutenant in the then U.S. Army Air Corps. Paul flew C-47’s and was also trained as a glider pilot. He flew glider missions on D-Day and Operation Market Garden. Paul was discharged in December 1945 and he and his wife Irene subsequently moved to Charlotte, N.C. In Charlotte, Paul went into the air conditioning business and at one time owned Paul Brown Distributors. Later he would work for Allison-Erwin Company as Vice President in charge of the York Heating and Air Conditioning Division. Upon his retirement, Paul settled into his dream home on Lake Norman where he lived life to the fullest. He loved boating, sailing, swimming, and water skiing. He also enjoyed snow skiing and a weekly round of golf. He loved spending time with family and friends especially at the gazebo on his pier. Paul was a past president of Charlotte Rotary, a member of Lake Norman Power Squadron, a member of the National Glider Pilots Association, and a Mason. Paul was married to Irene (Sweitzer) Brown for 64 years, whom precedes him in death. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Hazel Brown, as well as brothers Robert Brown and Joseph Brown; and sisters Hazel Riggle and Helen Wells. Paul is survived by his two children, Gary P. Brown and his wife Pauline, and Karen D. Geer and her husband Michael; his grandchildren Stephen and Christine; his great grandchildren Troy, Jodilyn, Alexandria, and Ciera; his three sisters Joann Badger, Mina Mclure, and Mary Sabotin. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 24 at Glenwood Memorial Park with Rev. John Miles officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Wake Forest Baptist Health Care at Home Hospice-Wilkes, 126 Executive Drive, Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697-7571. The family wishes to thank the Villages of Wilkes for the compassionate and loving care he received. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the Brown family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Paul Wilbur Brown

October 7, 1919 - January 18, 2017