AD1 Gerald Brown, United States Navy, Ret.

Gerald Brown was born May 28, 1976 at Killeen, Texas and passed away, at the age of 36, on August 22, 2012 from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

Gerald graduated from Killeen High School in 1996 and entered the United States Navy.  He proudly served for fourteen years, until he was medically retired with the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

Among his many military wards and decorations were three awards of the Good Conduct Medal, three awards of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Gerald fell in love and married Regan Sara Lavery on July 22, 2002.  He was a member of Westside Baptist church.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, cooking and his two dogs.  He was a member of the Speed Virus Motorcycle Club.

Funeral services were held on August 30 at the Westside Baptist Church.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the service the Riders led the funeral procession, which included scores of motorcycles, to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  There the family was greeted by fifty American flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.

After the pall bearers, members of the Speed Virus Motorcycle Club wearing matching brown shirts, moved the flag draped casket into the shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter.

The service began with the playing of Taps by the Navy bugler, as all present stood at attention.  The flag that covered the casket was carefully folded into a triangle, passed to a Navy Petty Officer, and family friend, who presented it to Regan, on behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, as a symbol of appreciation for Gerald's service to the Country and to a grateful Navy.

Paster Hallie Tolbert then recited the rite of committal and led the congregants in The Lord's Prayer.

The dozens of motorcycle riders from multiple Central Texas clubs returned to their bikes, parked three abreast on the road fronting the shelter, and revved the engines of their motorcycles in honor of their fallen member.

Petty Officer Gerald Brown was then laid to rest on the wind swept hill side, as the American flag flew in his honor at the top of the hill.

Family Tribute

God saw the road was getting rough

And the hills were hard to climb.

He gently closed those loving eyes.

And whispered - Peace be thine.

The weary hours and the days of pain,

The sleepless nights are passed.

The ever patient, worn-out frame,

Has found sweet rest at last.

God saw that you were getting weary;

So He did what He knew best.

He came and stood beside you,

And whispered - come and rest.

You bid no one a last farewell,

Not even a goodbye.

And only God knows why!

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, one son, one daughter, his parents, a sister and a brother, and many other dear aunts, uncles and dear friends.