A.J. Pepper, age 85, of Brownwood passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at a local nursing home.

Funeral Services for A.J. will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at First Christian Church with Pastor Sterling Lentz officiating; burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.

A.J. was born to A.C. and Veda (Snipes) Pepper on June 18, 1930 in Littlefield, Texas. A.J. joined the United States Army in 1948, he was a Sergeant First Class in the 1st Cavalry during the Korean War; he received a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, 2 Presidential Unit Citations with Clusters, and numerous other medals. He attended Texas A&M for 2 years after his stint in the Army. A.J. was passionate about the Boy Scouts of America, he loved being involved with the youth of Brownwood and supporting them. He raised show goats and was involved with the Brown County Youth Fair. He raised the Texas State Champion Goat at one time. A.J. was a member of Kiwanis and V.F.W Post 3278.

A.J. is survived by his children, Veda Christian and husband Gene of Coleman, Monda Dale Milton and husband Donnie of New Mexico, Joe Pepper of Brownwood, Bobbie Pepper Preston and husband Howard of Brownwood, Jimmy Pepper of Brownwood, and Jay Pepper of Kansas; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Patsy Armstrong and husband Kenneth of Early; Murl Smith and husband Richard of Arizona. He is also survived numerous by nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Pepper; parents, A.C. and Veda Pepper; and two brothers, John and Willie D. Pepper.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the V.F.W. Post 3278.  Online condolences for the family are welcome are www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.