Wayne Bryant Brown

Wayne Bryant Brown, 65, of Augusta, Georgia, entered into rest on March 3, 2026.

A memorial service honoring Wayne’s life will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Platt’s Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, Georgia 30809. At 5:00 p.m. Taps will be played, with a celebration of life reception to follow immediately after.

Born January 30, 1961, in Jacksonville, Florida, Wayne was the son of Jennings Bryant Brown and Ruby Jane Brown. Growing up on a small farm in a small Florida town, he developed a love for exploration, hard work, and new experiences that would shape the course of his life.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for eight years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged. While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1981, Wayne met the love of his life, Dana Dunaway. The two were married on June 20, 1981, beginning a partnership that would span more than four decades. Shortly after their marriage, Wayne and Dana moved to Germany, where he was stationed for four years.

Following his military service, Wayne began his career with Taco Bell Corporate and later became a successful Taco Bell franchisee, building and operating more than 60 restaurants between 1989 and 2006.

Wayne’s love for scuba diving began as a way to spend time with his children and quickly became a lifelong passion. In 2007, after experiencing Aggressor Fleet as a customer, he purchased the company and expanded it over the years into what is now known as Aggressor Adventures, offering dive expeditions, river cruises, and safari lodges around the world.

Under Wayne’s leadership, the company earned numerous industry accolades, including recognition on the Inc. 5000 list, Telly Awards, Magellan Awards and SCUBA Diving Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. A passionate diver himself, Wayne also achieved distinctions including Platinum Pro 5000 Diver, Nikon Professional Services Member, SSI Instructor Trainer, and PADI Staff Instructor.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, RV travels, and global travels, Wayne’s greatest pride and joy was his family. When he wasn’t traveling or diving, he was happiest at home in Augusta, Georgia, enjoying time with his family, fishing, playing golf, and spending time with those he loved most, especially his grandchildren, who proudly knew him as “Papa,” a title he cherished above all others.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Dana Dunaway Brown; his son, Justin Brown and his wife Ashley Brown, and their children Bennett Brown and Collin Brown; and his daughter, Ashley Brown Watkins and her husband Colden Watkins, and their children Cash and Caylee.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, respected leader, and passionate adventurer whose love for life inspired everyone around him. Wayne’s legacy lives on through the family he loved and the countless lives he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Wayne’s memory.

Arrangements were provided by Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.