Joy Ronald Brown
April 3, 1928 - August 14, 2024
Obituary
Joy Ronald Brown was born to Leona and Ernest Brown on April 3, 1928. He had two older sisters, Delva and Carol, an older brother who died in infancy, and a younger brother, Ken. Joy grew up in Olympia, WA and he often mentioned his house on Lybarger Street. He loved riding bikes and saved enough money from a paper route to buy his very own brand new bike. He also loved riding in his dad’s tow truck on calls, racing around town in his car – getting a few speeding tickets along the way, and working part time in a little grocery store. Eventually, he would find his way to Triple XXX for a hot chocolate and to try and impress a beautiful young waitress named Lila May Campbell. Dad attended St Martin’s College, and then took a job at Boeing in Seattle. Lila and Joy were married on June 25, 1949 and bought their first home in Boulevard Park. Joy took advantage of Boeing’s Educational programs and pursued a degree in Engineering. He continued his career at Boeing in Engineering and Management, except for a short stint co-owning The Derby Tavern off of Ambaum.
Joy and Lila had their daughter Cheryl, and son, Gary, before buying a bigger house and moving to Burien. Several years later they had another daughter, Geri Lynn. Joy loved to keep busy and always had a project of some type going on either in his garage, on the house or in the yard. He loved water skiing, watching the hydroplane races, and camping. He and Lila purchased a lot on Black Lake in Olympia and the family, extended family and friends have spent many years camping, gathering and boating there. Joy had a lot of patience teaching all the kids and relatives how to waterski. His pride and joy was purchasing a flashy red ski boat – ultimately named Little Red.
After raising Cheryl, Gary and Geri Lynn, Joy and Lila purchased and enjoyed a condo at Hi Tide Resort in Moclips, WA where they both loved to dig clams and enjoy kite flying on the beach. In addition, they purchased a winter home at Roadhaven Resort in Apache Junction, AZ. They loved to spend the winters down there and even convinced several friends and relatives to purchase a place as well. Joy continued to spend the winters in Roadhaven even after Lila passed away in June 2015. Joy continued to enjoy his family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends up until he passed away on August 14, 2024 at 96 years young. He was loved by so many for his kindness, integrity, strong work ethic, and even his stubbornness and will be missed by all. The Lord blessed all of us with special “JOY” for 96 years.
Joy’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, August 22nd 11:00am at New Community Church. 21401 244th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA.
