Austin Claude Brownlee

Austin Claude Brownlee, age 86, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's dementia. He left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering integrity. As a man of his word, Claude believed that character and honesty mattered more than anything else. Claude was born on July 8, 1938, in Laurel, Mississippi, to Austin L. Brownlee and Gracie Arcola Brownlee (Martin). He was one of fifteen children and grew up in a close-knit family where faith, hard work, and love for one another formed the foundation of life. He graduated from Beat Four High School, where he was a proud member of the football team. A dedicated veteran, Claude served his country honorably in the United States Army. Following his service, he devoted his life to his family, building a legacy of love, strength, and hard work that will be cherished for generations to come. Claude was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His greatest joy came from the time spent with his children and grandchildren, offering wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support. He found happiness in the simple things—telling a good story, spending time outdoors, and being present for the people he loved. A hardworking man, he never shied away from a challenge; whether in the woods with his hunting gear or at home sharing laughter around the table, he lived fully and gave freely. His sense of humor and knack for storytelling made him the heart of every gathering. His values—honesty, loyalty, and love—will continue to guide his family for generations. He was also a devoted member of Oakland Grove Baptist Church, where he expressed his faith with humility and kindness. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Austin L. Brownlee and Gracie Arcola Brownlee (Martin); his sisters, Lucille, Linda, and Joyce; his brothers, Dallas, Gaddis, W.C., Calvin, Johnny, Jackie, and Ralph; and the mother of his children, Sandra Jean Brownlee (Walley). He is survived by his son, Randall Claude (Lan Bach) Brownlee; his daughters, Donna Lynn Coad and Cynthia Gail (Ernest) Cleland; his grandchildren, Amanda Lynn (Jordan) Brawer, Oliver James (Alicia) Orleans, Mackenzie Grace Brownlee, and Peyton Austin Cooley; and his great-granddaughter, Brynn Diane Brawer. He is also survived by his loving sisters: Faye, Winnie, Annie, and Judy. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Oakland Grove Baptist Church, located at 2475 Pleasant Grove Road, Laurel, MS. Visitations will take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM, followed by a graveside service in the church cemetery. Pallbearers for the services will be Justin Walters, Barry Saul, Larry Hodge, Cory Brownlee, Justin Brownlee, and Chuck Brownlee. Honorary pallbearers include Lan Bach, Ernest Cleland, Billy Livingston, Mike Brownlee, Ed Brownlee, Gary Dicks, and Wendell Ulmer. Luke and Laura Brownlee will serve as usher and greeter. Memory Chapel Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements. Flowers should be sent directly to Oakland Grove Baptist Church. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Austin Claude Brownlee

July 8, 1938 - April 26, 2025