Ralph D. Brown, Jr.

Ralph D. Brown, Jr, 92, passed away suddenly and peacefully on February 22, 2026 at his home in Jefferson. After a great night’s sleep, his favorite breakfast, and resting in his recliner, he just slept away. Exactly how he wanted it to be. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Fae E. Brown.

Ralph was born in Washington, DC on January 16, 1934 to Helen Marquerite Schultz and Ralph Dwight Brown, Sr. Ralph attended Elm Street School (where he met his first wife Barbara) and graduated from Frederick High School in 1952. He played catcher with the Frederick County Fast Pitch softball league. He was a member of the high school football and track teams, a trumpet player in the band, and proudly served as the 1952 class president. He always enjoyed attending his class Lunch Bunch gatherings.

Ralph was an avid hunter and fisherman. For many years, he owned and operated a sporting goods store, “The Trading Post”, in Jefferson MD where he found many devoted customers and made many life-long friends. Once Ralph turned to Real Estate as a profession in 1976, he was always proud of the fact that old customers from the store turned to him to help buy or sell their homes.

Ralph loved those big mountains in the George Washington National Forest in Virgina and spending time with his best friends at their hunting camp “Jerkemtight” in Bath County. VA. He also enjoyed taking his boat to Chincoteague to fish for flounder with his wife Fae. He spent many summer weekends enjoying his place on the Potomac River at the Potomac Fish and Game Club. He loved Maryland basketball and was always happy when they won.

Ralph had many accomplishments and achievements in life, both with his hobbies and his profession. He was especially proud of his membership and service to the Jefferson Ruritan Club where he was the last remaining member of the original Charter Members. He was a life member of the Frederick Elks Club #684, The Thurmont Gun Club, Amateur Trap Shooters Association, and Ruritan Forever. He was the county archery champion for several years in the late 1950’s as well as Eastern Representative for the National Field Archery Association and State Class A Broadhead Arrow Champion 1956. At various points over his lifetime, he served as President in almost all the organizations he belonged to, including; The Tuscarora Archers, Maryland State Bow Hunters Organization, Maryland Sportsman Club, the Jefferson Elementary School PTA and the Frederick County Association of REALTORS. He was Western Maryland Regional Representative to the MD Association of REALTORS and Frederick County REALTOR of the year in 1983. He received many sales and achievement awards during his 50+ year Real Estate career.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, step father George Hawes, brother Wayne Hawes, and ex-wives Barbara R. Gwinn and Sally C. Main.

Ralph leaves behind daughters Carol J. Custer (Thomas), Cheryl B. Smith (Stephen) and son Douglas D. Brown (Suzanne); sister Sharon Oland (Terry) and brother Mark Hawes (Robin); step children David Grossnickle, Jamie Wolfe, Michael Main and Michelle Main; grandchildren Philip Custer (Lisa), Scott Custer (Carrie), Tara Custer (Adam McGee), and Michael Brown; great grandchildren Mylan Smith, Alexander Custer, Margaret Custer, Madelyn McGee, and Bennett McGee; ex-wife Janice N. Ohler; and numerous other family and friends.

Ralph’s family would especially like to thank his devoted caregivers Beverly, Melissa, Hannah, Isaac, Victor and Terry for keeping him comfortable and allowing him to stay in his home.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph requested donations to the Jefferson Ruritan Scholarship Fund, C/O Jefferson Ruritan Club, PO Box 415, Jefferson, MD 21755

Visitation and Service will be held at Stauffer Funeral Home in Frederick on Tuesday, March 3rd with visitation at 1:00 and Funeral Service at 2:30. Interment will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.