Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, April 11, 2025, at Shaw Funeral Home. Burial will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery (164 Longs Plant Farm Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27534) at 2:00 P.M.

In the early morning hours on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear Life Center, our heavenly Father called from labor to reward, Charles Edward Brown, Jr.  Affectionately known as "Eddie" by his family, he was born on October 26, 1956, in Wilmington, North Carolina to Charles Edward Brown, Sr. and Letha Mae Washington Brown, both whom preceded him in death. He was a 1975 graduate of New Hanover High School in Wilmington, North Carolina.  After graduation he enlisted in the US Army and served his country honorably and faithfully for 20 years.  He retired as Sergeant First Class and received numerous awards and commendations. After returning home, Eddie worked for his life-long friend in various capacities at PDS for 30 years.  He was on the job until a few weeks before his death.  Upon meeting Eddie, you would notice his quiet spirit and meek personality.  That would change immediately if you posed  a threat to his female cousins.  There were always consequences.  He was very protective of his family and friends.  His infectious smile would light up a room and that same flashy smile got him out of trouble.  Being raised in a Christian home, his spiritual foundation was at Mt. Olive AME Church, Wilmington, North Carolina.  Eddie was a giving person and demonstrated God's love through it.  He loved to ride motorcycles but did not get to live out his dream of riding cross country. Eddie was an avid gun collector and could handle them well. He leaves to cherish his memories: his daughter, Symone Brown of Little Rock, AR; three grandchildren, Christini Johnson, Cristyn Johnson and Emersym Thornton of Little Rock, AR; his sister and goddaughter, Ms. Michelle Newman of Ft. Mitchell, AL; his adopted sisters, Marie Brown of Smithfield, NC, Maybelle Simpson of Raleigh, NC and Felicia Brown Williams (Jeffrey) Of Portsmouth, VA;  a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Eddie had a close and unwavering bond with his brother and friend of over 50 years, Wayne Lofton and his cousin, Sandra Drawhorn.