William Dorne Brownlee

William Dorne Brownlee, born May 1, 1937, in Wray, Colorado, to William and Thelma Brownlee, passed away peacefully in Sunsites, Arizona. Dorne spent his early years northwest of Wray, attending a small country school before moving to town with his family at the age of 14. He was a beloved brother to Alden Brownlee and Joyce Brownlee-Carson.

Following his graduation from high school, Dorne proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years as a Quartermaster. During his service, he completed multiple deployments in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS Wood, a Destroyer Class ship. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Wray and, in 1962, married Janet Jones (Brownlee) Walker. Together, they raised three sons: Jeff Brownlee, Dion Brownlee, and Aaron Brownlee.

Dorne enjoyed a long and successful career in construction, with his work taking him from Wray to Las Vegas, Nevada, Montrose, Colorado, and eventually back to Wray, where he founded Brownlee Construction. His craftsmanship and dedication were reflected in the many homes he built and remodeled throughout the community.

In later years, Dorne moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he met and married Anita Woodruff in 1990. Through this marriage, he gained four children: Donald Lawson, Tammy Kelton, Erin Wilson, and Crystal Pence. He continued his work in construction before transitioning to a role as property maintenance supervisor for an apartment complex. In the late 1990s, Dorne and Anita pursued a new venture together—successfully running an ostrich ranch—before retiring in Sunsites.

Dorne is survived by his sister Joyce and husband Leo Carson; his sons Jeff Brownlee and wife Shana, Dion Brownlee and wife Berenice, Aaron Brownlee, Donald Lawson and wife Debbie, Tammy Kelton, Erin Wilson and husband Jason, and Crystal Pence and husband Guy. He is also remembered with love by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dorne will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the lives he touched, and the family he cherished.

May he rest in peace.