Obituary: Billy Ray Brown
Billy Ray Brown, 80, of Deep Run, entered the arms of Jesus and his wife Pat, on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at his home. We are sure mama had some fresh fried chicken waiting for him as we all know, nobody could cook like her.
If you ever met him, then first and foremost, you know he loved the Lord and would tell you about how good God was every chance he got. He was a member of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church and cherished his beloved Sunday school class “The Berean”. If he could tell you one thing today - it would be to give your life to the Lord and never look back!
Billy made a life out of running his own business and working on vehicles for 50+ years. He was known by his customers as “Mr. Bill” or “Mr. Brown”. He was fair and honest. He never met a stranger and as much as he worked on their cars he worked on their friendship. He just loved people.
He loved his children with all his heart and prayed for them every day. He was always there for his children and would do whatever he could for them. He was the best daddy. However, his favorite name was “Paw Paw” and although he loved his children, we all know the grandchildren were his favorite.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Estelle Smith and Clayton Brown; and his wife of 50+ years, Helene “Pat” Brown. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Brown Garner, and husband Steve, and their children, Vanessa and Jase; son, Jeffery Brown, and wife Lee Ann, and their children Chris, Brooke, and JJ; son, Billy Dean Brown, and fiancée Jean, and their children, Ricky, Kim, and Sam; son Ronald Brown, and wife Connie, and their daughter Melissa. Great grandchildren included: Madison, Makenzie, Tanner, Madelyn, Gavin, Reed, Madalyn, and Emily. He is also survived by his sister, Vickie Hedden; brother Tony Smith and wife Roxann; and brother Gary Smith and wife Kathy, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank his precious caregivers that became members of the family in such a short time: Norma Jean Bowen, Richard Crumbacker, and Bonnie Farmer.
Visitation will be from 11:00-12:00 on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Tanglewood Church of God in Kinston, followed by A Celebration of Life Service at 1200. Graveside service will follow at Westview Cemetery. The family will also receive visitors at the home of Mr. Brown on Wednesday, May 10th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
