John Glenn "Bill" Brown

    John Glenn “Bill” Brown passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital, following several months of declining health. He was born on May 29, 1931, to the late Luther Van Brown and Lula Kate Jones Brown.

   Farming was Bill’s first and lifelong passion, and he dedicated many years to it before retiring from Lorillard Tobacco after 36 years of service. Known for his strong work ethic, Bill approached everything he did with commitment and care, always looking after his family and friends.

   In his younger days, Bill loved traveling to Myrtle Beach. He also had a deep love for baseball and was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. Some of his fondest memories were the simple pleasures of Sunday outings to Mayflower with his family, where time together meant the most.

    Bill is survived by his children: Billie Jo Allen and husband Kenneth, Tina Chrismon, Barry Brown and wife Connie, and Garry Brown and wife Janet; eight grandchildren—Brandon Allen, Michael Allen, Ryan Church, Shea Chrismon, Olivia Shreve, Jessica Butcher, Dawn Apple, and Sierra Shelton and ten great-grandchildren.

   Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Geraldine Busick Brown; his daughter Susan Church; a grandson, Luther John “Luke” Brown; a granddaughter, Tonya Church; and a stepson, Norman Shelton. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Howard Brown and Van Brown, and his sisters Violet Brown, Edna Michael, and Jackie Barker.

   A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Apple’s Chapel Christian Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 PM prior to the service at the church, and at other times at the residence.

Special thanks are extended to his caretaker, Teresa Martinez, and his physical therapist, Mel Omato, for their devoted care and support.

   Bill’s life was a testament to love, service, and dedication, and he will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Apple’s Chapel Christian Church, 7345 NC Hwy 61 North, Gibsonville, NC 27249.