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Lifelong Sittingbourne resident and community stalwart, Percy Brown, dies

Community stalwart and talented darts player Percy David Brown has died aged 84.

He was born in George Street, Sittingbourne, on December 23, 1930, to Richard Milliner Brown and his wife, Adelaide Mary.

The youngest of seven children, he left St Michael’s School, the Butts, at the age of 14 and started working at the Kemsley Papermill.

Percy Brown, sitting second from left, holding one of the darts shields he won
Percy Brown, sitting second from left, holding one of the darts shields he won

In December 1950, he married Betty Young, who he had been teenage friends with.

The couple lived in Bassett Road with relatives, and Mr Brown became a lorry driver for Ron Brooks and later Milton Pipes, before he retired at the age of 64.

A keen footballer and avid supporter of Sittingbourne FC, he managed the Chalk Tavern pub football team from 1958 to 1969.

His other great passion was playing darts – a hobby he shared with wife Betty.

Percy Brown (centre) with the Chalk tavern Pub football team
Percy Brown (centre) with the Chalk tavern Pub football team

During the two decades he played the game, he won almost 100 solo trophies and was captain of the Chalk Tavern darts team, presiding over three consecutive championship wins.

His daughter, Marie Freeney, who was the couple’s only child, said of her father: “He was a friendly, likeable person, always willing to help no matter who or whatever it was.

“He was just so well-known around the town. We took him last year to the Grove Park boot fair and he was bumping into lots of people he knew, chatting away.

“He will be missed.”

Percy Brown with the darts team of the 1980-81 season
Percy Brown with the darts team of the 1980-81 season

Mr Brown leaves behind his 90-year-old brother, Les, his daughter and son-in-law, Joe, and three grandchildren.

A funeral service is to be held at Holy Trinity Church, Dover Street, Sittingbourne, on Monday June 29, at 1.15pm.

Flowers and donations to Crossroads Care East Kent.

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