Carnell Ray Brown

At a young age, Carnell developed a love for classic cars, travel, nature, music and cultural experiences. He befriended most everyone he met as he had a personality that exuded laughter, corky facts and a free spirited flow. He always had factual, helpful and intuitive insight on a vast array of subjects. He moved to Maryland as a young man and fell in love with Washington, D.C. He was drafted into the Army at the young age of 18 years old and served one tour in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he submersed himself in the culture, food and lifestyle while meeting the mother of his only child, Sandy. This is where he found his passion for photography. His photography spoke to his passion for life as an insightful storyteller with thousands of photographs that paralleled stories of gratitude, light and his appreciation for the subject(s) before him - (people, landscape, cuisine, architecture, etc.)

Upon his returned to the United States in December 1972 to Tacoma, Washington while still in the military. He later married in Seattle, Washington on January 18, 1973 and had one daughter, Sandy Le Brown in 1974. He moved his young family back to Maryland one year later to Silver Spring, MD and later purchased a home in Brentwood, MD. This is where he earned an apprenticeship as a pipefitter and welder with the love, guidance and support of his mentor, Bob Crandall. He became a member of the Pipefitters Union 602 on May 1, 1975 in Washington D.C. From there his career would take he and his family many places including but not limited to Arizona, Montana, Wisconsin, Maryland and New Jersey. Carnell’s most impactful work-site towards the end of his career was Puerto Rico, where he fell in love with the culture and lifestyle – so much so he wanted to retire there.

He was passionate and mentored many students during his career and beyond as a pipefitter and welder at work sites and his home. He handcrafted many intricate and awe-inspiring metal art pieces that have been sold throughout the U.S. While others were created with intentional love and thoughtfulness for family and friends in Tallahassee, FL.

He continued to learn the Vietnamese language with his daughter during night classes at Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville, MD in the early 1980’s. One of the many beautiful traits about Carnell is he always remained a student on his journey. In turn, allowed him to be a great resource of information and experiences. His easy going spirit made him relatable. His non-judgmental perspective allow many to experience his core essence and wisdom.

During one of many of their loving visit with his sister, Juanita Tatum in December 2021. He spoke of his committed relationship with the Lord and expressed he was at peace.

Carnell will be cherished and sorrowful by his only daughter, Sandy Le Brown-West of Martinsburg, WV; two grandson, Trenton Bobbitt of Lakewood, Colorado and Ti’ree Jones of Hagerstown, MD two granddaughters, Maya and London West of Martinsburg, WV; brother, Kenneth Brown and sister, Juanita Tatum of Tallahassee, FL, beloved brother in-law, Randy Tatum; two nephews, Marcus Miller of Florida and Chuck Brown of Philadelphia, PA; four nieces, Cindy Smith and Ericka Crosby of Tallahassee, FL, Christiana Rosenthal of Palmyra, TN and Tanya De’Leon, Marshill, North Carolina. He had several great nephews and nieces, and one great, great nephew.

Carnell had extended family and friends he dearly cared for.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lucia Skaife, niece, Lucindia Landis and one great nephew, Ivan Adams. A celebration of Carnell’s life will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tallahasse for the Brown family.