Tommie Gene Brown, 80, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.
He was a native of Cherokee County, an avid gardener and enjoyed walking his dog, Benji.
He retired from Simpson Bridge Co. after 22 years of hard work.
He was a member of Bell Hill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Shirley Dorlon Brown; a daughter, Brenda Robinson; and a brother, Lewis Brown.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Lucille Garland Brown; a son, Ricky Brown and wife, Terri of Turtletown, Tenn.; three daughters, Deborah Lynn Sutton and husband Bruce of Bryson City, Joanne Macaluso and husband Pete of Murphy, and Patty Derreberry and husband Keith of Bryson City; a son-in-law, Ralph Robinson of Murphy; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a brother and four sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Bell Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Lawrence English and Tim Dickey officiating. Music was provided by the Rev. Allen Harris. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Brandon and Daniel Sutton, Joey and Chad Macaluso, Roger Garland and Jim Friend.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, where the body remained until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.