Obituary of William Henry Brown

William Henry Brown, 95, Syracuse, NY November 23, 1920 - September 8, 2016 After 95 fully-lived years, Bill passed away peacefully in his bed. His son was holding his hand as he went to reunite with his wife of 64 years, Ruth Lauback Brown. Originally from Tully, NY, Bill was the eldest son of four siblings. During the Great Depression, his father wanted to leave NY and head to California to take their chances out west. When the family refused to go, his father left without them. Bill, being the oldest son, stepped up and became the man of the house at 9 years old. He left school and began working as a farmer to provide for his family. He enlisted in the Marines and was sent to serve in the Philippines during WWII. He was a proud member of the 22nd Marines Regiment that trained in Samoa and fought in the battles of Eniwetok and Guam. These brave men were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation with gold star, China Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with 3 service stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Bill was also awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he received in the Battle of Guam. When he returned from service he married the love of his life, Ruth Lauback, and built them a home by hand in Manlius, NY. Together they raised three children. Bill diligently worked for General Motors for 25 years, enjoyed traveling in their RV and he and Ruth were avid square dancers. Bill's greatest joy was his family. His eldest son, Bill, passed away in 1990 and his beloved wife, Ruth, in 2008 but he leaves behind a loving family tree that includes: Brother, Hubert Brown and his partner Millie Nolan of Las Vegas, NV. Son, Robert (Bob) Brown and his wife, Cathleen O'Brien Brown of Syracuse, NY. Daughter, Christine A. (Kay) Brown Hammond Ferguson and her husband, James B. Ferguson of Clearwater, FL. Grandson, Brian Denver Hammond and his wife Rebecca N. Hammond and their two sons, Colton Brian Hammond & Jacob James Hammond of LaVernia,TX. Granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn Banda and her husband, Armando Banda, and their two sons, Zachary Manuel Banda & Armando Grant Banda of Sachse, TX. William Brown was a wonderful son, a loving brother, a decorated Marine, a dedicated husband, a cherished uncle, grandpa, and great-grandpa, and an adored father. This selfless war hero had a heart as big as a house and he will be dearly missed. Special thanks to the staff at James Square who so lovingly cared for him. Calling Hours: Friday, September 16 from 4:00 - 7:00pm, Hollis Funeral Home, 1105 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13204. Service: Saturday, Sept 17 10:00am, St. David's Episcopal Church, 14 Jamar Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066. Burial immediately after the service at White Chapel Memory Garden, Kinne Road, Dewitt, NY 13214. There will be a Reception at St. David's after the burial.