Virgil L. Brown, 81, adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend, departed this earthly life surrounded by his heartbroken family on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Born June 16, 1942, to Robert and Gracie Pearl Brown in Dorothy, W. VA., he was raised and educated in Akron, Ohio. Virgil Brown was an active lifelong Akron resident, and a well-traveled citizen of the world, who refused to consider anywhere but Akron, Ohio, his home.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anita; daughters, Kimberly Brown-Griffith, Rebecca Brown, and Renee Nurse; granddaughters Tiffany, Faith and In'dayala.  Plus, a host of other relatives and friends.

He was a longtime youth mentor and community service volunteer, who was committed to giving back, and bringing others forward. He will be remembered for his dedication, and his good deeds.

Virgil was well loved for his across the board generosity, his soulful laughter, his absolutely unflinching ability to "keep it real", as well as his unwavering service to many.

A 1960 graduate of Akron's South High School, the University of Akron, (B.A.), and Ohio University (M.B.A.).

Virgil was an accomplished athlete, he played football at South High, and gained notoriety as a record-setting sprinter in Track and Field at South, and, the University of Akron ((UA).  In 1961, he helped to lead UA to its first ever Ohio Track Championship, repeating the feat in 1962, with back to back undefeated seasons.  During this time, he qualified for the US Olympic Team Trials, and he continues to hold a record setting time that was never bested at the university.  In 1983, he was inducted into the University of Akron Athletics Hall of Fame. Few who experienced his legendary speed will forget his incredible style.

Virgil served both community and country, with a tour as a United States Air Force Airman, and Sergeant stationed in the Philippines, often assigned to medical evacuations in Vietnam. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, and, a Good Conduct Medal for his exemplary service. Upon being honorably discharged from the USAF, he returned to his beloved hometown of Akron, Ohio, with a broadened perspective, and a burgeoning love of world languages.

As he embarked upon a new career while raising a young family, and steadfastly serving his community; it became evident that living honorably would permeate every facet of his life.  Fulfilling his desire to educate and empower our youth, he briefly held a teaching position at West Junior High, his alma mater. He simultaneously worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a management trainee, ultimately retiring as a company executive who set many milestones, throughout his more than thirty years of employment.

Virgil's love of good music and good people facilitated his remarkable ability to learn the local language, and/or, dialect of each of the five Goodyear International locations to which he was assigned (Germany, Luxembourg, France, Morocco, Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo)).

As in life, Virgil used his position to reach, teach and care for many. He will be remembered for his generosity, laughter, his unflinching ability to "keep it real", and his unwavering service to many.

He was a committed volunteer and mentor, serving on the National Board of Directors for Camp Fire, as well as the Board of Directors for The Battered Women's Shelter in Akron; Akron METRO; and, Urban Ounce of Prevention for more than 20 years. He worked as an Executive on Loan with United Way of Summit County for nearly two decades, and, was also a daily volunteer and mentor at Stewart Elementary School.

A longtime member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, he served faithfully as a member/chair of the Trustee Board for many years.

He was a 33rd Degree Mason, United Supreme Council, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Northern Jurisdiction; The Commanders of the Rite. Joining the Masonic Order more than 50 years ago, he was a member of Phoenix Lodge #112, and Bezaleel Consistory #15.

He joined the Eta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at the University of Akron, and was a National Lifetime Member of the organization. Past affiliations also include the NAACP and the Akron Urban League.

Virgil's life and legacy will be honored on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 327 Cuyahoga Street, Akron, OH 44310.

Calling Hours begin at 10:00 a.m., as our beloved hero lies in state. The Family Hour Visitation will commence at 11:00 a.m., with the family present to accept condolences.

The Omega Service for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the Masonic Funeral Services, are scheduled for one-hour beginning at 12 Noon.

The Traditional Homegoing Service will commence at 1:00 p.m., followed by a repast dinner for family and friends in attendance.

On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 10:15, a military memorial service will be held at his final resting place - the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Friends wishing to join the procession may meet at the home at 09:30.