Obituary of Bradley M. Brown

BRADLEY M. BROWN "BRAD" Brad Brown, age 75, was transformed from this world to his Heavenly home by God's special angels on October 19, 2010. His devoted wife and friends surrounded him at home, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Born Bradley Miller Brown January 27, 1935 in Little Falls, New York, he was a son of Clayton and Florence Miller Brown. He is survived by his wife; Deborah Knox-Brown, two daughters; Debbie Brown Burns and husband Joe of Brunswick, Georgia and Donna Brown Kirkland and husband Mitch of Lake City, Florida and four grandchildren; Samantha Burns of Brunswick, Georgia and Derek, Brandon and Ryan Kirkland all of Lake City, Florida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Stanley Brown. Brad was well loved and close to Debi�s children, Renea, Kimberly and Stephen, along with their spouses and the grandchildren. Brad had unofficially called David and Sheree Woody, his "kids". They have always been there to help and lend a hand when needed. Brad wore many hats in his lifetime, including serving during the Korean War in Germany, being a Fireman, in Ft Lauderdale, Fl, owning many restaurants, and being the proprietor of a convenience store near Salem School. He started Jack 'N" Jill Daycare Center, and worked at Western Carolina Center. He played Dinner music on the organ at the Holiday Inn in Morganton, while many people danced the night away. He also worked at the ABC store, and was a contractor and builder of the Dogwood Villas apartments and homes. In 2006, he moved from Morganton to Linville Land Harbor, where he had fallen in love the Mountains and his soul mate, Debi. Music was his passion, and he loved to play his drums. In high school, he was part of the "Journeymen", and they played all over the Mohawk Valley of upstate NY. He got his first set of NEW drums in 2006, and played in bands both in Linville Land Harbor during the summer months, and in The Great Outdoors, Titusville, Florida, in the winter. He played for an Oktoberfest, just 10 days before his passing, and never missed a beat! Land Harbor has dances twice a month, and he and Debi attended every one this summer, even when he was ailing. Dancing and music always made him feel better. Everyone who knew Brad realized what a special person he was. His sense of humor and friendship was contagious. He loved to play practical jokes on his fiends, and he did every chance he got! His love of Christ was foremost in his life, and serving God was priority number one. He and Debi recently joined the First Baptist Church of Newland, and attended the New Life Christian Fellowship in Titusville, Florida. There will be a Homegoing Celebration Service on Friday, October 22nd, at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Newland, with the Rev. Bill Jones, officiating. Donations or memorials can be given to Hospice of Avery County, who were exceptional in their care and concern. Special mention to our hospice nurse, Jack and Rev Barnes, the chaplain. Their comfort was beyond comprehension. Online condolences may be sent to the Brown family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Brown family.