Wiley Brownee Channell, 85, died on March 17, 2022.
Born August 6, 1936, to Wilson Dewey and Verdie Gerett Liles Channell in Argo, Alabama, and a 1954 graduate of Hewitt Trussville, where he was a multi-sport athlete. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and a varsity wrestler from Auburn University (then API). Following graduation, he was a career Marine Officer, served in Vietnam, and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, RVAF MUC of Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Navy Commendation Medal w/“V,” Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, and other decorations.
In retirement, he continued his love for the Corps (Always a Marine), was a fan of all things Auburn, and developed his encyclopedic Major League Baseball knowledge first into a blog and then into his book, Baseball Farming.
Brownee was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Bill and Bob Channell, and sister Betty Hocutt. He is survived by his devoted wife of over sixty years, Robbie Jack Amerson Channell, his sons Doug (Laronda) and Bo (Carol) and daughters Cindy Channell and Liz Coleman (John); grandsons Zachary, Taylor, John Liles Channell, and Jack Coleman; brothers Bailey (Linda), Barney and Ben Channell and sister Brenda Witt (Don).
Visitation will be Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 12-1 p.m. at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home, Trussville, with services to follow. Burial will be at Gibson Hill Cemetery in Fayette County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to a Veterans-related charity or to the Gibson Hill Cemetery Fund, address 5223 County Road 46, Berry, Alabama, 35546, two organizations very dear to Brownee’s heart.