Ira "Chuck" Charles BrowderI am a Veteran. of Harrison, AR February 1, 1935 - May 16, 2022
Ira Charles Browder, Jr, affectionately known as "Chuck" by his friends and family and "Mr. B" by his students - passed away peacefully on May 16, 2022, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life's challenges with grace, honor, the best sense of humor, and faith without rivals.
He was born on February 1, 1935, in Coyote Wells, CA, to Mattie and lra Browder, Sr. He married Miss Sharon Kay Young on June 26, I981, in Everton. He was a United States Army veteran and retired from teaching after 35 years yet continued to serve during the following two decades as a substitute teacher, bus driver, school board member, and in several other educational capacities. He was a member of Everton Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and sharing the love of Christ with every person he ever came in contact with.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Nellie Hobbs Browder (l974); his sister, Mona Austel; mother- and father-in-law, GB and Edna Young; sister-in-law, Shirley Cox; brother-in-law, Kenneth Young; and brother-in-law, Danny Young.
He is survived by his wonderful wife of over 40 years, Sharon Browder; son and his sweetheart, Charles Browder lll and Angela Frantz; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Lauri Young; daughter and son-in-law, Leigh Ann and Jerry Norvell; cousins Hal Browder and Duane Martin; brother-in-law, Ron Cox; brother-in-law, Werner Austel; brother- and sister-in-law, Rick and Cheri Young; four grandkids, Chris Norvell, Nick, and Melissa Volpe, and Jessica McMullen; four great-grandkids, Scarlet, Jaxon, Logan, and Claire; four nieces and nephews, Colleen, Allison, John Mark, and Daryl; the dear members of the Hobbs family, and so many other cherished relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
The service to honor Chuck's life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 28, at Valley Springs High School Gymnasium. There will be a small graveside service at Crawford Cemetery in Everton.
Active pallbearers will be Ron Cox, Rick Young, Jerry Norvell, Chris Norvell, Jim Young, Skyler Young, John Mark Austel, and John Jeffrey. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Young, Tony Whitsell, Rick Still, Mathew Wages, and Courtney Brenaman.
Chuck loved every one, but especially kids. Please, in lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Valley Springs Foundation, PO Box 640 Valley Springs, AR 72682.