Alton D. Brown, 73, Tyrone, died Sept. 6, 1998. He was born Sept. 17, 1924 in Fayette County, Ga., the son of the late Rev. Favon and Clyde Farr Brown.

He was graduated from Fayette County High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a seaplane bombardier in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Air Medal and Gold Stars in lieu of the second, third and fourth Air Medals.

He was employed by Tyrone Rock Products in various capacities for 18 years; worked with Bessemer Properties in Peachtree City for three years and in 1973, formed his own company, Landshares, Inc., serving as president.

He served for ten years on the Fayette County Board of Education, beginning in 1963 and served as its chairman from 1969 to 1972.

Elected to the Fayette County Board of Commissioners in 1977, he served two years and was chairman of the board in 1977.

He was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church, Tyrone, where he taught Sunday School for over 20 years, as well as serving in many other roles in the church.

He was a member of the Tyrone Masonic Lodge, No. 644, where he had served as a Past Master.

He was Fayette County Citizen of the Year in 1971 and Tyrone Citizen of the Year in 1983.

"Alton was one of the first people I met when I came to Fayette County in the late 1950s," said Joel Cowan, one of Peachtree City's founders. "He was a kind person and very helpful in blending the culture of the county natives and the new arrivals. I always enjoyed working with him whether it was business or civic endeavors."

Fellow Fayette County native, Floy Farr, said, "He was a good lifelong friend and a good citizen. He was always a very responsible person and always a perfect gentleman. His father, the Rev. Favon Brown, was also a highly respected citizen in this area."

Business associate, Ed Koons, stated, "He was one of the best businessmen I have ever known. His integrity was unimpeachable and was always of the highest caliber. He was one of the most dedicated men to his community I have come in contact with and was always the first one to give to further it's development."

Services were held at the Parrott Funeral Home Chapel, Fairburn, with Dr. Rick Long and Dr. James Burdette officiating. Interment was at Sharon Memorial Gardens, Tyrone.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Howell Brown, whom he married in 1946; and sons, Tony and Frances Brown, Greenville, Ga. and Mike and Holly Brown, Tyrone; and grandchildren, Whitney Brown and Mike Brown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hopewell United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 351 Jenkins Road, Tyrone, Ga. 30290.