Stephen Brown Obituary

Stephen William Brown, Jr., 74, beloved husband of Sue Harrison, entered into rest Friday, January 17, 2025.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 24, at 11:00 a.m., at the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Rev. Dr. Porter C. Taylor officiating.

Steve was born in Augusta, Georgia, on October 23, 1950, to parents Dr. Stephen W. Brown and Avis Marguerite Moate Brown.

A forester by trade, Steve had an enormous appetite for the outdoors and sharing it with others. He was happiest outside, whether he was hunting, fishing, or hiking, and his spirit was fed by plants and animals. Steve took immense pride in his farm and how he nurtured the wildlife he shared the land with. He was never without a dog.

Steve channeled his passion for trees and the natural environment into business and public service. He served as Columbia County Commissioner from 2002 to 2006, and his efforts were marked by his stewardship of the land and responsible development.

Steve married Susan Kopp Brown in 1981 and they started a family the next year. As a father, Steve had a wonderful sense of adventure and family vacations were marked by Steve's cheer and boyish antics. Steve's preparedness and knowledge of all things vehicles, boats, and equipment made him the perfect companion for an excursion. He was a stellar marksman and placed in competitive sporting clay tournaments.

After Susan's passing, Sue Harrison came into Steve's life. Their companionship was beautiful, and they enjoyed life together, traveling often to St. Simons Island, Athens for Georgia football games, and western North Carolina. Steve was a proud member of Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville and adored the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Steve devoted much of his time every year volunteering as a scoring official for the Masters Golf Tournament, working at every tournament since he was 16 years old. Steve was a natural leader and earned the respect of the many tournament volunteers on his team. He loved the game of golf and the Augusta National Golf Club was an important part of his life.

In addition to his wife, Sue, Steve is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Brown Collins (Matthew), Mary Righton Brown (Zak), Stephanie Lynne Brown (Joshua); his grandchildren Grady Frederick Collins and William Calhoun Collins, who affectionately referred to him as "bahdaddy"; his sisters, Dr. Avis Brown Yount (Peter) and Margaret Elizabeth Brown (Thomas); and his dogs, Byrdie and George. He was preceded in death by Susan Kopp Brown, his wife of 37 years, and his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Stephen William Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Via Cognitive Health (Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer's Care) in Augusta, Georgia.

The family will receive friends in the church Parish House following the service.

Please make all floral tributes deliverable to the Church.