George Brownell

George Griffin Brownell

Brevard - George Griffin Brownell, Jr. 96, died Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at his residence.
A native of Tuscaloosa, AL., he was a son of the late George and Jennie Jones Brownell, Sr. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Brownell Moore and a brother, Walter T. Brownell.

As a Lieutenant Commander, who was fluent in both French and Italian, he was awarded a Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his services in US Naval Intelligence during WWII.

For over 45 years, Mr. Brownell was President and owner of Brownell Travel Bureau, which was established by his Grandfather in 1887 in Tuscaloosa, AL. Internationally known for its service the business is still in operation in Birmingham, AL.

While a young man, he and his mother operated the business in Tuscaloosa, AL. Following WWII he moved the business to Birmingham, and his mother continued to operate from her home in Tuscaloosa. In 1975, Mr. Brownell authored "Travel Agency Management", the first textbook of its kind, which has been used by several universities. George was very active in the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), and in the International Council of Travel Agents (ICTA). Competency and ethics in the travel business were two of his greatest concerns.

Following his retirement from Brownell Travel Bureau, he and his wife, Susan, moved to Brevard, NC where they resided until his death. He and Susan were quite active in the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment (ACME). They became certified to lead these groups and enjoyed doing so for many years.

One of his favorite hobbies was woodworking. Following his retirement, he took a course in woodworking and apprenticed for a year under a Master Woodworker. He was also an avid golfer.

Mr. Brownell and his wife were charter members of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Birmingham, AL and were also among the founders of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Transylvania County.

Surviving is his loving wife of 72 years, Susan Hardy Brownell, and a daughter, Suzanne B. Phillips and husband Morris of Carthage, MS., several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, April 4, 2009 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Transylvania County, 24 Varsity Street, Brevard, NC with the Rev. Ernest L. Mills officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to Unitarian Universalist of Transylvania County, P. O. Box 918, Brevard, NC 28712.

To sign Mr. Brownell's guestbook online, please go "Obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .
Moore Funeral Home is serving the family.