Obituary
The Man - The Myth - The Legend. That’s what the shirt he was wearing said when he left this world. We all called him by different names - Paw Paw, Papa Sam, Granddaddy, Daddy, Pops, Uncle Sam and Babe. Most just knew him as Sam - one of the kindest men they had ever met . Always a smile, a story to tell, a laugh to share. He loved telling stories about he and his brothers growing up in Rascal Town, TN. Most were of his adventures with buddies Billy, Wayne, Little Neal, Delbert and Edward who all became his lifelong friends. That was just good ole Sam!
To us he was more, MUCH more. He was our hero! Each with a different story to tell, but one man at the center. A humble, simple, unassuming man, but our Superman.
Born on November 25, 1942 to Mitchell and Nello Rhea Brown, he was named Sammy Wilmyr after his grandfathers. That became so appropriate since FAMILY was everything to him. He was a lifelong Methodist, proud Democrat, and a devout Alabama fan. He was saved during the annual revival at Green’s Chapel the second week of August 1955, and faithfully served the Lord the rest of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Nello Rhea Brown, and brother, Pat Brown.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Weatherford Brown; sons, Eric Brown (Rosemary), and Van Brown; daughter, April Barton (Brian); step-sons, Lucas Weatherford (Mylesa) and Chase Weatherford (Stephanie); grandchildren, Alex Boyd Huff (Chelsea), Mitchell Boyd (Raleigh Noland), Mary Kathryn Brown, Matthew Brown, Mabrie Weatherford, Peyton Weatherford, John Collin Weatherford, Cal Weatherford, and Charlee Weatherford; the mother of his children, Brenda Hallmark; brother, Tony Brown (Karen); sisters-in-law, Mary Brown and Leigh Ann Gargis (Jackie), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Written in his own hand at the bottom of the family tree in his Bible were these words, “Our children are the only earthly possessions we can take to Heaven”. But we weren’t possessions to him - we were treasures, and he was and will forever be a treasure to us in our hearts.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 2-4 with a celebration of life to follow at 4 at St. James Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Mitchell Boyd, Matthew Brown, Mitch Brown, Hart Gargis, Chase Weatherford, Lucas Weatherford, and Peyton Weatherford.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Barton, Tony Brown, Glen Creekmore, Jackie Gargis, Little Neal Killen, Wayne Killen, Campbell King, Billy Richardson, Edward Robertson, Butch Toner, Cal Weatherford, and John Collin Weatherford.
Our family would like to express our love and gratitude to his daily caretakers Amy Kerby, Denise Robinson, and Glenda Wellborn, along with Southern Hospice Care and staff, Danielle, Misty, and Sue Ann.
He always wanted to be a cowboy like some of his favorite heroes John Wayne, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers. Even though he was not a cowboy, HE WAS OUR FAVORITE HERO!
John Wayne is quoted as saying “Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway”. Through daily challenges he saddled up his braces until his hands and legs no longer allowed with great courage and strength we all admired. Tuesday night our HERO, healed and brace free, climbed up on a big ole Palomino and rode through the Pearly Gates. He will be greatly missed…Happy Trails
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Sam’s favorite charities, Food Bank of North Alabama, Meals on Wheels, The Shared Table Shoals, St Jude’s, or an organization of your choosing.