Captain William Anton Brown

Captain William Anton Brown, 93, of Camelot Drive, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Grace Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born in Baltimore, MD on March 13, 1917, he was the son of the late William Anton Brown and Josephine Brown.Captain Brown was a native of the Baltimore area and attended Poly Tech High School and John Hopkins University where he received a degree in engineering. He served as a pilot in the pacific theater of WWII and was then recalled to serve during the Korean War. He then returned to Pan American Airlines where he was an overseas pilot and later served in many administrative capacities until his retirement. Cpt. Brown was very involved in the development and testing of the Boeing 747. He relocated from Fairfield, CT to Morganton in 2004.An avid reader, Cpt. Brown loved gardening and was well informed and outspoken on all things political. He was particularly stressed about the fact that he felt our country is moving away from our traditional values and morals. He will be missed as a wonderful man and a true patriot.Cpt. Brown is survived by a son, Don Brown of Colorado Springs, CO; daughters, Marion Brown of Fort Collins, CO and Barbara Brown of Colorado Springs; a step-daughter, Hannah Goutierre of Washington Depot, CT; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nephews and nieces; a long-time companion and best friend, Betty McGowen Butler; his beloved McGowen family; and by his dear adopted family, Debra Calfee and Sherman Buff, who were always there to help and give support.The family will receive friends Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. A memorial service for the family will be held at the McGowen Beach House at Cape Lookout at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of North Carolina, 505 Oberlin Rd., Suite 230, Raleigh, NC 27605.