Gerald Benny Brown

A LIFE REMEMBERED

Gerald Benny Brown was taken into the waiting arms of our Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Gerald was born on December 18, 1938, in Kissimmee, Florida, to Sallie Mae Brown and Herman Adolph Fitz Sr. He was educated in the Leon County school system and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. On January 17, 1965, he married the love of his life, Eddie Francis Brown, and they shared more than 61 years of marriage.

Gerald was a dedicated military man who served more than 30 years in the United States Army. During his career he held many roles including section and platoon leader in Nike Hercules units, training NCO, security specialist, and missile system instructor at the Air Defense School. Among his many accomplishments, he was named Fort Bliss Drill Sergeant of the Year, achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major, and he concluded his military career as Commandant of the NCO Academy. He was also proud to be a lifetime member of the Sergeant Major Academy, the VFW, and the prestigious Buffalo Solider Association. After retiring from the Army in 1990, he transitioned seamlessly into the role as an educator at the El Paso Job Corps Center.

Gerald gave his life to Christ at an early age. He began each morning reading scripture, was a proud member of the choir, and in 2008 he became an ordained Deacon.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Herman Adolph Fitz Jr., Tracey Henry Fitz, and Arracheo Enricho Fitz; and his beloved daughter, Donna Varicee Brown Freeman.

Gerald leaves to honor and cherish his memory his wife, Eddie Francis Brown; his daughters, Debra Brown and Denise Brown; his grandchildren, Anthony Freeman and Donna Brianna Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Amir Freeman and Essence Freeman; his sister, Tarolyn Fitz-Waymon; his brother, Alforeso Fitz; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.