Brownlee, Richard Lawrence of White Lake, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born July 27, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert and Erma (nee Hicks) Brownlee. Richard was a proud 1962 graduate of Mackenzie High School in Detroit where he played the trombone in the marching band. He continued his education at Lawrence Technological University where he earned his mechanical engineering degree before furthering his studies at Central Michigan University, where he earned his Master of Science in administration. His education laid the foundation for a long and successful career in engineering, but it was his curiosity, creativity, and love of automobiles that truly made his work a passion. Through mutual friends, Richard met the love of his life, JoAnn Colette Przybylski. Their first date was at Nifty Norman's in Walled Lake. What began as a first date blossomed into a lifelong love story. Richard and JoAnn were married on October 27, 1984, at Community of Christ Church in Waterford, a church that continued to be an integral part of their lives. Richard was also a talented singer, and on their wedding day he serenaded his bride with "Walk Hand in Hand," creating a memory that JoAnn would cherish forever. Richard dedicated 42 years of his working life to General Motors, where he worked at the GM Technical Center as a design engineer. Throughout his career, he was involved in numerous automotive projects, including work on suspension systems for the Hummer. His career gave him the opportunity to combine his engineering knowledge with his lifelong fascination with cars, and it also allowed him to travel extensively throughout the United States as well as internationally to China and India. He retired from General Motors in 2008 after an impressive 42-year career. Outside of work, Richard was a true outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed hunting deer, and some of his favorite memories were made at Old Baldy Deer Camp in Ontonagon, Michigan, where he and his family and friends gathered. These traditions brought together family, the outdoors, good stories, and the camaraderie that Richard enjoyed so much. A lifelong car enthusiast, Richard could talk about automobiles with genuine excitement and appreciation. His love of cars was more than just a hobby—it was woven into his life and career. He also had an adventurous spirit and even took flying lessons, always willing to learn something new and take on another challenge. After retirement, Richard and JoAnn enjoyed having more time together and embraced the freedom that retirement offered. One of their favorite pastimes was taking their travel trailer across the United States, discovering new places, enjoying the scenery, and making memories together. For Richard, the best part of those adventures was sharing them with JoAnn, his wife and best friend. Richard will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, JoAnn; his children, Kerri Kuch, Tricia (Roman) Tafelski, Laura (Scott) Millman, and Richard; his grandchildren, Roman, Emily, Logan, Austin, Rachael, and Alexandra; his little buddy Chandler and his many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Jean (Ted) Mazurek and Laurene (Nick) Phillips; sisters-in-law, Nessie and Gayle; and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate to know and love him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Erma Brownlee; and siblings, Robert Brownlee and Russell Brownlee. Richard leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, dedication to his career, a passion for cars and engineering, and countless memories made along the way. Above all, he treasured his life with JoAnn and family. A memorial service and luncheon honoring Richard's life will take place on Saturday, October 17 at noon at the Community of Christ Church in Waterford. In honor of Richard, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Meals on Wheels of Livingston & Western Oakland County.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

Meals on Wheels - Livingston & Western Oakland
11600 Grand River Ave, Brighton MI 48116
Tel: 1-810-632-2155
Web: https://www.mealsonwheelsmi.org/