of Harrison, AR

February 1, 1935 - May 16, 2022

Ira Charles Browder, Jr., affectionately known as "Chuck" by his friends and family and "Mr. B" by his students, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life's challenges with grace, honor, the best sense of humor, and faith without rivals.

He was born on February 1, 1935, in Coyote Wells, California, to Mattie and Ira Browder, Sr. He married Miss Sharon Kay Young on June 26, 1981, in Everton. He was a United States Army veteran and retired from teaching after 35 years yet continued to serve during the following two decades as a substitute teacher, bus driver, school board member, and in several other educational capacities. He was a member of Everton Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and sharing the love of Christ with every person he ever came in contact with.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Nellie Hobbs Browder (l974); his sister, Mona Austel; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, GB and Edna Young; his sister-in-law, Shirley Cox; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Young; and his brother-in-law, Danny Young.

Ira is survived by his wonderful wife of over 40 years, Sharon Browder; his son and his sweetheart, Charles Browder, III and Angela Frantz; his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Lauri Young; his daughter and son-in-law, Leigh Ann and Jerry Norvell; his cousins, Hal Browder and Duane Martin; his brothers-in-law, Ron Cox and Werner Austel; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Betsy Young and Rick and Cheri Young; four grandkids, Chris Norvell, Nick, and Melissa Volpe, and Jessica McMullen; four great-grandkids, Scarlet, Jaxon, Logan, and Claire; four nieces and nephews, Colleen, Allison, John Mark, and Daryl; the dear members of the Hobbs family, and so many other cherished relatives and friends.


Visitation was on Friday, May 27, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

The service to honor Chuck's life was held Saturday, May 28, at Valley Springs High School Gymnasium. Interment was at Crawford Cemetery in Everton.

Pallbearers were Ron Cox, Rick Young, Jerry Norvell, Chris Norvell, Jim Young, Skyler Young, John Mark Austel, and John Jeffrey.

Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Young, Tony Whitsell, Rick Still, Mathew Wages, Courtney Brenaman, Greg Cox, and Bynum Young.

Chuck loved everyone, especially kids.

Please, in lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Valley Springs Foundation, PO Box 640 Valley Springs, AR 72682.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com