William Brown, November 24, 1929 — March 06, 2019

William “Bill” Horatio Brown IV, passed in peace on March 6, 2019. He was affectionately known as Papa to family and he definitely enjoyed his 89 years of life. Bill loved spending time with his dog Jack and meeting and talking with new people.

Watching and listening to most sporting events, tinkering with outdoor projects and doing handyman projects were some of his interest. But near the top of his list would be all things Virginia Tech. He loved his Hokies and in fact Bill ran track his four years while in Blacksburg.

Bill was born in Pulaski, Virginia on the 29th of November 1929 to the late Dr. William H. Brown III and Ellen Dew Brown and spent most of his early childhood growing up in Colorado and New Mexico. Later he moved back to Richmond, Virginia to attend high school at Saint Christopher’s School and this is when he acquired the rank of Eagle Scout. Inspired and encouraged by their Papa, 3 of his 6 grandsons also became eagle scouts.

Upon graduation from Virginia Tech, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the infantry and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. After his service in the Army, he and Jessie, his wife of 62 years, moved back to east Tennessee where he spent the rest of his life being the best spouse, father, grandfather and friend to all. Bill is survived by his spouse: Jessie Lyons Brown, Brother: Roderick Dew Brown (Pat), Children: William Brown V (Sandy), Mary Jessie Proffitt (Bill), Conner Brown (Bernadette) and Grandchildren: William Brown VI, Joshua Brown, David Proffitt, Benjamin Proffitt, Conner Brown II, Matt Brown.

Niece: Ellen Brown Blackburn, and Nephew Rick Brown. Bill would hope that instead of sending flowers that each one who reads this will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some unfortunate soul in Bill’s name or a donation can be made in his name to New Providence Cemetery Fund @ New Providence Church PO Box 46, Surgoinsville, TN 37873. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 10th at 3pm at New Providence Presbyterian Church in Surgoinsville, Tennessee officiating will be Pastor Tony Barnett.

Christian-Sells Funeral Home is serving the Brown family. Online condolences may be sent at www. christiansells.com.

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