James Ronald Brown

James Ronald “Ron” Brown passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2024 surrounded by family. He was 89 years old. Born on November 21, 1934 to Thomas Earl & Hilda Catherine Brown (the 3rd of seven children), Ron grew up on a farm in Scaggsville, Maryland. He spent his summers either working for his father’s electrical contracting business or on his uncle’s dairy farm milking cows. He always felt fortunate to have had these two experiences because, he would add with a chuckle, “It became clear that I was not cut out for dairy farming!” What Ron was cut out for was electrical contracting, like his father, and by the time he was 13, he was wiring single-family homes. Ron was only 17 when his father passed away suddenly at the age of 46, but he stepped up to run the family business, and by the age of 21 he had earned his Master Electrician's license. When Ron was 22, the US Army called. He served as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division for four years, two of which were in Europe. He often commented that the confidence building he obtained through that experience was a contributing factor to the success he had in business. After proudly serving in the Army, Ron returned to his hometown to found Electrical General Corporation—a highly successful electrical contracting firm of over 300 employees that he led for 41 years until his retirement in 2001. Ron's philosophy was, "We may be beaten on price, but we will never be beaten on quality or customer service.” In addition to growing a thriving business, Ron served on several boards and was instrumental in making positive and pivotal changes in the industry, such as creating electrical licensing reciprocity, thus eliminating the need to get licensed in multiple counties. In 1984, he was elected as the first Chairman of three Maryland Statewide Electrical Licensing Boards and held that position for 8 years. In 1996, Electrical General was awarded the prestigious Associated Builder’s Subcontractor of the Year Award. Those who had the pleasure of working with Ron, or “Brownie” as he was affectionately called, would often say that his “integrity was beyond reproach” and that he “treated customers like friends.” As a testament to the strong business he founded, Electrical General continues to operate today. When Ron wasn't working, he kept happily busy with his five children—Mike, Matt, Mark, Mitch, and Rhonda. For many years, he coached football and baseball for the Laurel Boys & Girls Club and taught his kids and grandkids how to hunt and fish. After retirement, his love for the outdoors poured over into many barbeques and crab feasts that he hosted in his backyard. All were welcome! His parties always inevitably led to nighttime card games with his siblings, kids, and even grandkids. He travelled throughout the United States visiting family, friends, and as many state parks and museums as he could. Ron’s memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: His devoted wife Gail Brown (Little) and her children (whom he loved as his own): Tracey & Mike Clay and Brian Feeley, his children from his former wife Alberta Brown (Gallis) and their spouses: Mike, Mark & Lori, Mitch & Janie, Rhonda & Jeff Pepper, his siblings Charles Thomas "Tommy" Brown and Gloria Saunders, and his 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to: The Wounded Warriors Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or Compass Hospice 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 www.compassregionalhospice.org A visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 408 South Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the funeral home, from 9:30am – 11:30am. Funeral service will follow at 12:00pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 301 S Liberty St, Centreville, MD 21617. Interment will be private.

James Ronald Brown

November 21, 1934 - February 21, 2024