Joseph Daniel Brown III, MD

Class Year

1960

Affiliation

Alumni

Posted on: November 4, 2021

Joseph Daniel “Dan” Brown III, MD, 87, passed away Sept 11, 2021 at approximately 8:30 pm.

A “Virginian by the Grace of God,” Dan Brown was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 2, 1934 to Margaret Dix Brown and Joseph Daniel Brown, II. He served as an acolyte at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Dan graduated with honors from Granby High School in 1952 where he was a member of the band as well as a state champion wrestler. At the University of Virginia, he was a member of the wrestling team as well as the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and The Raven Society. While at the University, he met and, on August 25, 1956 after both graduating from the University, married nursing student, Kathryn Amelia Engquist (Kae). After graduation and marriage, Dan entered the University of Virginia Medical School where he received his medical degree in 1960. They were blessed with five children, Barbara Brown Bonheur (Ronn) of Norfolk, VA, Major General Joseph D. Brown, IV (Sue), John Fauntleroy Brown, Benjamin Armistead Brown, II (Mieko) of Springfield, VA, and Ernest N. D. Brown (Lisa) of Hamilton, VA.

Dr. Brown was preceded in death by his wife, Kae Brown (Aug. 27, 2011), and children, John Fauntleroy Brown (Dec 30, 1986) and Major General Joseph Daniel Brown IV and his daughter-in-law Sue Stanger Brown (April 13, 2013). Dr. Brown is survived by his sister, Francis Anne Stocking (Donald) of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; his 3 remaining children, Barbara; Ben, and Ernie, and by 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

After graduating from medical school, he joined the United States Air Force as a flight physician. Dan (accompanied by Kae, Barbara, Joe, and John) was assigned for 3 years to Bentwaters AFB in England. Returning home from England, he completed his residency at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk and then moved his family to Williamsburg, VA in 1966. Dr. Dan was a wonderful father, husband, and friend to those who knew him. He was also a respected member of the medical community of Williamsburg for over 50 years through his private medical practice, as a state medical examiner for James City County, as a FAA flight medical examiner, medical consultant for Camp Peary, and college physician. For many years, Doc Brown was a common sight, making his rounds, peddling his 3-speed bicycle to and from his office, the DeBord Clinic on Monticello Avenue, or the hospital, wearing his ever-present bow tie. He was a founding member of the Dukes of Gloucester, a member of the William and Mary Community Orchestra, and the York River Band.

In addition to his medical career, he had an illustrious military career. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force reserve, the Air National Guard, and for most of his military career, served as the State Surgeon with the Virginia Army National Guard. He designed and implemented the awarded VaARNG Field Medical School – an exemplary training program for all medical personnel to prepare for combat medical care. COLONEL Brown retired in October, 1999 after 39 years of military service. He then joined the Virginia Defense Force as a physician pilot for several years before retiring from service to the State. He was exceptionally proud of the fact that every generation of his family served in the Virginia militia since its colonial inception. His “joie de vivre” was evident to all he encountered – a welcoming smile, a hearty laugh, and always, whistling a tune. He lived and served an extraordinary and abundant life!

Music was an important part of both Dan and Kae’s life. They set up a scholarship for The College of William and Mary Symphony Orchestra in Kae’s memory. Those wishing to donate should send checks payable to the College of William and Mary, PO Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187. Please indicate that it is for the Kae Brown Symphony Orchestra Endowment fund (3556). Electronic donations can be done online using the endowment number (3556).

A Brown Family and Friends Gathering will be planned in the spring to celebrate in a manner truly fitting of Doc Brown’s Life.