Bud Lawerence Brown is more alive than he has ever been and with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born Oct. 31, 1928, in Elf, N.C., Bud passed into glory Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Goldie Brown; two sisters, Dorothy Lundvall and Barbara Bracken; and twin brother, Benjamin Brown.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Moore Brown; his daughter, Deborah J. Brown; and two sons, Lawrence E. and Brenin K. Brown. He is also survived by a brother, James Brown and wife Frances of Tennessee; sister-in-law, Lee Brown of Hayesville; and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Raised as a farm boy in Clay and Cherokee counties, Bud later joined and served 20 years in the U. S. Army in Europe and Asia, and 36 years with Bernhardt Furniture travelling extensively around the world on their behalf.
He was very active in his community, serving on numerous boards; in church, serving as Sunday School teacher, youth leader, missions committee chair, chair of the board of deacons, elder, clerk of session and trustee of Lenoir Presbyterian Church.
He also served 40 years as a volunteer of the Department of Defense branch, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), retired as state chair with a rank of two-star general, being dubbed “father of ESGR” in North Carolina. The “Bud Brown Award for Excellence” is given each year to a deserving member of ESGR.
He and Betty served as hospice volunteers for 30 years.
Bud carried a suitcase of Bibles throughout Asia for many years and testified to God’s love for all people through Jesus Christ. He also enjoyed home remodeling with his daughter, farming with his children, painting and drawing, woodworking, leather tooling, furniture making and handcrafting with his wife.
The funeral and visitation was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy. A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at Lenoir Presbyterian Church in Lenoir.
Memorials may be made to Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood Ave. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645; Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Ave., Lenoir, NC 28645; or Yokefellow Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 2422, Lenoir, NC 28645.
The family deeply appreciates the staff of Caldwell Memorial Hospital, Caldwell Hospice and faithful caregivers Christy Pearson, Tammy Parsons, Kaitlyn Miller, Morgan Preik, as well as Sarah Eckard of Caregivers By Design.
The family expresses special thanks to Lenoir Presbyterian Church for their support during Bud’s illness, Harris Chapel Baptist Church for their prayers and many visits, and Hyatt’s Creek Baptist Church for prayers and care. Most special thanks to Pastor Rob Hinman and Pastor Ron Burgett who will conduct the service.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.