Gary Brown Obituary

Gary James Brown left his earthly home on July 10, 2025, with his adoring wife by his side. He was 72 years of age. He is once again WALKING, but now with his Lord and Savior on the streets of gold in heaven. GB, Downtown or Hollywood as he was affectionately known will forever be known for his infectious smile that could light up any room, sense of fun, as well as his ability to make everyone around him feel special.

Memorial Services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville, TN with Rev. Ray Chandler and Rev. Sammy Tillman officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville, TN. 

Gary grew up in Bartlett, TN with his beloved parents Jim and Maxine Brown, along with his loving sisters Nancy, Debbie and Susan. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1971. He began his career as a bond broker with Union Planters and later with Vining Sparks in Memphis, TN.

He married in 2013, the love of his life, Sally Simmons Brown, and together they built a beautiful life in Brownsville, TN. This union brought him two wonderful bonus children, Tyler (Liz), Santa Rosa Beach, FL and Caroline White, Ramer TN. They immediately formed a special bond and became a close family unit. Spending time with all the Simmons and Whites was always fun and festive and Gary fit right in. Tyler and he shared the love of music and elk hunting. With Caroline, he shared the love of animals as well as music. His pride and joy were Amos, Townes and Magnolia White, whom he was affectionately known as Poppa. He adored them and was so proud of them.

Gary treasured the time he had with his mother and dad before they passed. They were affectionately known as Mimi and Pop. He was so heartbroken over the death of his sister, Nancy. The Brown family is a loving and connected family and they adored Gary and he loved them with all of his heart. In recent years, his sister Debbie hosts the holiday traditions at her home, and Gary loved visiting with everyone and catching up. Debbie and Susan held a big piece of Gary’s heart.

Gary embraced life with an infectious kindness, joy, and passion. Strangers and friends were drawn to him because of his sincerity and vibrant personality. Outdoors and barefooted is where you would most likely find Gary. He enjoyed tending to others in his neighborhood, where he mowed and edged to perfection. While mowing you could be assured he was listening to his favorites, Johnny Rodriquez and Merle Haggard. He and Sally hosted many parties with friends and family in the backyard where Gary was always the life of the party. Gary looked forward to trips to Little Rock with friends that were like family. So many laughs were shared around the pool and annual Christmas party.

He and his buddy Dennis shared a love for vintage cars whether it be restoring or attending many car shows over the years. For many years Gary went elk hunting with his dear friend in the Colorado mountains. They hunted out of a little cabin, and it was something Gary looked forward to each year. When his buddy passed away, he didn’t go for many years until a few years ago he shared that experience with his bonus son, Tyler, and then the following year again with Tyler and John Gorman. No elk were killed but a lot of fun and great music was shared. Gary had hoped to share that experience with Amos and Townes.

Boating at the TN River or Pickwick with special friends was a favorite pastime. He loved nothing more than being on the water. He and Sally had a special love for the beach as well. They traveled there often with loved ones, but once he became Poppa, trips to Florida were all about spending time with them.

The Currie farm was truly one of Gary’s favorite places. There, he was introduced to the West TN Field Trials Club and found immense pleasure in riding horses in the gallery, doing any job needed, large or small, and gathering around the campfire at night with friends, old and new, that attended the trials every year. He was usually the campfire builder but recently gave instructions from the sidelines. These friends visited Gary weekly in his final weeks and shared love and laughter and a few tears.

Gary was a Christian and a member of the First United Methodist Church. He had a strong faith that was shown through his true servant’s heart, giving anyone in need a helping hand.

Gary leaves to cherish his memory his adoring wife, Sally Simmons Brown; his bonus children, Tyler White (Liz) and Caroline White; his grandchildren, Amos, Townes and Magnolia White; his sisters, Debbie Goss (Bobby) and Susan McGoldrick; sister-in-law, Mary Leesa Simmons (Peter), brothers-in-law, Roy Pagenkopf and Hunter Simmons (Kim).

In addition, he leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Kristi (Aaron) Hunt (Aaron), Jason Pagenkopf (Wendy), Robbie Goss (Rachel), Ryan Goss, and Connor Simmons; great-nieces and nephews; Tyler and Ashley Pagenkopf, Hayden and Hannah Hunt, and Jackson, Campbell and Davis Goss. Gary was also known as Poppa to Powers, Hollen, Trevor and Savannah Spencer as well as Piper, Lauren and Clay Black.

He was preceded in death by his precious parents, Jim and Maxine Brown, beloved son, Stephen Brown, and incredible sister, Nancy Pagenkopf.

The family has honored Gary’s wishes for cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Safeinthepanhandle.com or the West TN Field Trial Club, c/o Bill Currie, 703 Eurekaton Road, Stanton, TN 38069 or to First United Methodist Church Backpack Club, 117 E. Franklin St., Brownsville, TN 38012, or to the charity of your choice.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Heitt, Thos Hoggard, Bill Currie, Allen Currie, John Gorman III, Chris Mullen, Ike Todd and Peter Mascolo.

We would like to thank the wonderful care of Pruett Hospice Care. Special to Gary’s heart were the true angels that took great care of him daily over the past month Sheila, Nikki, Tasha and Farrah.

The world was a much better place with Gary in it. Now it is up to each of us to carry that bright light and share it with others.