Roll Call Tribute

Published in Tuscaloosa (AL) News on April 28, 2011

Dr. Jack Cole Brown
TUSCALOOSA Dr. Jack Cole Brown, age 81, died April 26, 2011, after a series of illnesses. He was the cherished son of C.J. and Rona Brown (deceased); beloved brother of Pauline Blakeney and Lillian Brown
(deceased); loving husband of 58 years to Lou Mayes Brown; devoted father of Bunny Brown Drueke (Joe), Tommy Brown (LTC, USAR ret.) (Suzie), David Brown (CPT, ANC, USAR ret.), and Dianna Brown Williams; adored Poppa to grandchildren Alethea Carr (Bill), Alex Drueke (SSG, USAR) (Kate), Kyle Brown, Ben Drueke, Jessica Brown, Ellen Williams, and Mei Mei Williams; and great-grandchildren Aubrey Carr and Bitsy Carr; treasured uncle to Beth Cleere (Bob), Revis Blakeney (Julie), Debbie Turpin, and many great-nieces and nephews, both related and honorary.

He is remembered as a teacher, builder, soldier, mentor, goat herder, avid Braves fan, and loyal friend. Many sought out his wise counsel and were inspired by his positive outlook and strong faith. An enthusiastic professor of engineering and advisor at the University of Alabama for 32 years, he was always ready with a lesson, a helpful ear, or a hug and a smile. As a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and veteran of the Korean Conflict, he trained hundreds of officers in service to our country. He will be greatly missed until we meet again.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. Visitation will be tonight, April 28, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Boyd Koon, Walter Brown, Kyle Brown, Bill Carr, Bob Cleere, Ronnie Barr, David Shaw, and Austin Brand.

Honorary pallbearers are DCH Five South and all the wonderful staff who cared for him during his extended illnesses, University Medical Center Internal Medicine and all the wonderful staff who cared for him over the years, members of the West Alabama Officers Association, and members of the Langston Sunday School class of Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring Days Adult Daycare, Hospice of West Alabama, or a charity of one's choice.
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Sent by son

Jack Cole Brown, PhD, class of 1972

Dr. Jack C. Brown, age 81, died April 26, 2011, after a series of illnesses. He was a native of Pickens
County, born March 14, 1930 in Gordo, Alabama. He was the cherished son of Clarence Jackson Brown and Vassie Rona (Koon) Brown; beloved brother of Pauline (Brown) Blakeney and Lillian (Brown) Brown; loving husband of 58 years to Lou Mayes Brown. He was the father of four: Lois C. (Brown) Drueke; A. Thomas Brown; David S. Brown; and Dianna G. (Brown) Williams.

In 1944, his family moved to Tuscaloosa and he graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1947. He enrolled in the University of Alabama and received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1952. His other college degrees include a M.S. in Engineering Graphics (Illinois Institute of Technology) in 1959, and a Ph.D. in Education (Texas A&M) in 1972. His dissertation was A Comparative Study Leading to the Creation of a Model for Computer Graphics Instruction in Post-Secondary Schools of Texas. It resulted in the creation of a college course, Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, which was one of the first of a kind in the field in 1972. As an undergraduate, he was a member of Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity, and Army ROTC. He was a member of the ROTC Pershing Rifles, which was their competitive marksmanship team.

Following graduation, he entered active duty as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He served from 1952 until 1954, with the 1901st Engineer Aviation Battalion, stationed at Wolters Air Force Base, Texas. During that time he was deployed to Labrador and participated in the construction of an air base and radar station. Returning from Labrador, he led a construction team of 41 men in building a 240-foot Bailey bridge across the Washita River on the east side of Ardmore Air Force Base, OK. After active duty, he remained active with the Army Reserve for 32 years, retiring as a Colonel. He served in a variety of positions with the West Alabama Retired Officers Association.

He began his teaching career with the University of Alabama as an instructor for the College of Engineering in 1955 and remained with them until his retirement in 1988. During that time he taught several different classes, all of which were related to engineering and architectural graphics. Engineering courses included mechanical drawing, technical sketching, and Mongeon descriptive geometry. He taught two architectural graphics classes for Interior Design majors. He progressed in stature to the position of Professor and was a Department Head for several years. He was recognized with several awards, most notably receiving the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award by the
University of Alabama National Alumni Association in 1984.

He was involved in the Engineering Design Graphics Division of the American Society of Engineering
Educators. He served as Director of Liaison for three years before being chosen as the Vice Chairman, and later as the Chairman. He attended numerous meetings during his 25 year association with them and was recognized as their ad hoc Chaplain. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award of Engineering Design-Graphics Division of ASEE in 2001.

A devote Christian, he served in leadership positions at every church he was a member. He used his teaching skills as a Sunday School teacher and sang in the choir.