Vineland, NJ – August 14, 2008 – W. Virgil Brown Jr., 81, of Millville passed away in the presence of his family Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Atlanta, and he grew up in Miami. Mr. Brown served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked in the airline industry for almost 30 years before moving to Millville in 1974. He was founder and president of M&R Products in Vineland, until he retired in 2003. He was recognized in the tie down and load restraint industry for his expertise and his commitment to safety in the auto and motorcycle racing industry. Mr. Brown enjoyed his family, sports and cooking. He followed the Phillies and the Eagles, and his beloved Florida Gator football team.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary "Pat" Brown; his children, T. Michael Brown and wife Connie of Ocala, Fla., Ray W. Brown and wife Patrice of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Christine E. Adams and husband Donald of Vineland, Mark J. Brown and wife Beverly of Vineland, and Cynthia L. Miller and husband Christopher of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; his siblings, Ray T. Brown of Chicago, and M. Russell Brown and wife Deborah of Carmichael, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Donald Brown and Ealinor McDonough.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Area 8 Special Olympics of New Jersey, P.O. Box 3589, Princeton, NJ 08543-3589; or Millville Rescue Squad, 600 Cedar St., Millville, NJ 08332.

3589, Princeton, NJ 08543-3589; or to the Millville Rescue Squad, 600 Cedar St., Millville, NJ 08332.