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.
Sign Guestbook
23 Condolence(s)
Lori Ruhwedel
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Rip Chuck, You were an amazing man. You me to the Lord back in 1980. The man at church that all the kids knew had candy to give out. The teacher at school that all the kids knew they could come to and knew that he loved them all. You also had to tell me a funny story when I saw you. You will be truly missed by so many. I loved you dearly. Sharon, Jim, Leighann and Charles my thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. Love you all. My parents use to tell the story that they went with Chuck and Sharon on their honeymoon, lol.
Peter Dechant
Saturday, May 28, 2022
So sorry to hear about this loss. Charles was a great man and friend. I always enjoyed my visits while tending to his clocks. I will miss this wonderful person. RIP
Stacey Steiner (Starkey)
Saturday, May 28, 2022
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Mr. Browder was my 6th grade teacher, and he changed many lives through the years. I will never forget the help and support he offered to anyone in need. His kindness and witty sense of humor will always be remembered. He will forever be in my heart.
Natalie Cash
Friday, May 27, 2022
I have wonderful memories of Chuck from VBS and skating trips to that bicycle ride on the Everton highway he always wanted to talk about! I was always eager to see what science experiment he would apply to our Bible lesson at VBS.
I'll always remember him with fondness as a gracious and kind man.
Alonna Still Clark
Thursday, May 26, 2022
What a sweet and caring man Mr. Browder was. Several years ago I saw him at a restaurant in Harrison and he knew who I was after all of those years. I remember In 6th grade he had pencils made for all of us with our middle name and last name on it - no first name - his way of being funny. Prayers for the family on this great loss. Class of 1995.
Evan and Sheila Wilkes
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Chuck was a kind and gentle person who loved spending time with his family and friends..
He enjoyed life and always there to brighten and encourage the lives of others he had the kindest soul a heart of gold
In all the years I knew Chuck he never had anything bad to say about anyone and that says a lot about a persons heart
Thank you for your service in the military another selfless act
May you rest in peace see you again one day
Love you always
Evan and Sheila
Judy galligher
Thursday, May 26, 2022
So sorry for your loss i have a lot of memories of chuck from Everton. He was always so happy and had a smile on his face. Prayers for all the family.
Bob&Judy Galligher
Kathy Vanderlip
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Mr. Browder was one of my favorite teachers. I remember our class would switch rooms with Mrs. Browder’s class getting us ready for the 7th grade.
He always made learning fun. I will miss him.
David "Davey" Wilson
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Condolences to your family on a loss. What a great man! He had a GREAT sense of humor and humble. I have fond memories of vacation bible school in Everton and him picking me up on the church van. Thank you for everything! Praying comfort for the family at this time
Martin Christopher worster
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Mr. Browder was my favorite elementary school teacher!! He introduced me to how much fun science was and he was always leading by example. He was the kindest man I know and he always laughed and made learning exciting. Thank you so much Mr. Browder for all the lives you touched every day w a positive attitude.. God bless all the family and friends who are in sorrow..Mr.Browder you led an amazing life one that will go down in the history books sir .. sending prayers from the Rocky Mountains . See you in heaven Mr.B
Amanda Baskin
Thursday, May 26, 2022
You will be forever missed Mr. B.! You were an inspiration to many. Prayers for the family
Becca Khuu
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Mr. B was my favorite elementary school teacher. I was Becky Meyer while in his class. Mr. B used to call me "Sunnybrook" after the spunky female character in the book "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" that we read in class. Mr.B had a fun way of teaching and encouraging us all to want to learn and ask questions. I'll forever be grateful. My prayers and thoughts are with the family as they grieve. ✨ðŸ™
Melissa Lowery Neeley
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. I’m very saddened to here of his passing. He was such a Gentle Giant!! He was very loved at Valley Springs School by all the kids and staff. I always loved seeing Chuck , Sharon , and her mom at all the Valley basketball games . They was big supporters even though there kids had already graduated . Chuck is going to be missed dearly. Know that I can’t be at his funeral but I’m lifting you and your family up in prayers. God bless Melissa
Mitch & Connie Valentine
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. Chuck will be missed by so many. Wonderful man...always had a joke or funny story and I don't think he ever met a stranger.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Aaron Evans
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Mr. B had such an influence on me. He made an impact on every single child he taught. I loved him from the time he taught me in 6th grade. One of the best men I’ve ever known. A life well lived and certainly well loved â¤ï¸ Prayers for his family!
Jessica Plumlee
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
RIP Mr. B! I loved having you as a teacher my 6th grade year. Class of 1995.
Tracy Shatwell
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Such a small glimpse of time I was around Chuck. But his heart was what led him and I think that’s how he made such an impact with so few words, side glances, and smiles. I can’t really say anything else than that except thank you Lord for his life and family.
Arlin and Jeanie Daniel
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Our sincere condolences to your family. While we are saddened by your loss, we praise Him that Chuck is Home at last.
Susie Gregory
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength and comfort.
Ann Sanders
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
We're so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Ann Sanders
Bill "ToeJoe" Strickland
Larry and Geneva Morris
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
We are so very sorry for your loss. He was always kind, caring and above all else he was a Christian and it showed in his daily life. He was an awesome friend. You will be missedâ¤ï¸
Judy Hiatt
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Chuck has always been such an inspiration to me. I am blessed he influenced my life in so many ways, he was such an example of how a person can have faith in spite of adversities and see humor in the situation. He was always a big brother to me, I cherish the memories!
Donald Piper jr
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Rest in peace Uncle Chuck