Curnel Lee Brown, of Ashland, entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 2, 2011. at the VA Medical Hospice Center in Richmond.

Curnel, affectionately known as "Bear" was born August 12, 1943, to the late John H. Brown, Sr. and Lottie Taylor Brown.

Curnel joined the Army in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1973. He served in Germany and Vietnam where he received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam.

Curnel is survived by two brothers, John H. Brown, Jr. of Ashland and Ronald Brown of Ruther Glen; five sisters Beatrice A. Burruss, Gloria A. Samuel, Betty J. Brown all of Ruther Glen, Shirley B. Young of Bowling Green and Pearl Minor of Milford; one brother-in-law, A. Waverly Minor and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and two devoted friends, McArthur Jefferson and Elwood Patterson.

A viewing will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 8, at C. W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, VA 22427 and one hour before the service on Friday at the church.

A celebration of life will be held at noon Friday, December 9, at Mt. Salem Baptist Church, 16170 Moores Mill Road, Ruther Glen, VA 22546. The Rev. Dr. Bernard Goode will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, December 12 in Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle.

Online condolences are available at cwedwardsfuneralhome.com