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Wayne Brown Obituary



Wayne Brown, a former Charlotte radio executive active in the city's civic community, died in Atlanta over the weekend of liver cancer. He was 55.

Brown came to Charlotte in 1991 and took over WPEG-FM ("Power 98"), which was then broadcasting from Concord, and oversaw the takeover in the 1990s of WBAV-FM ("V 101.9"). "Power 98" and "V" are now owned by CBS Radio and are among the area's strongest stations.

He was active in leadership positions at Charlotte Repertory Theatre, Charlotte Chamber, 100 Black Men of Charlotte, the Levine Museum of the New South, the Community Building Task Force, United Way of the Carolinas, the Urban League and the N.C. Association of Broadcasters.

Brown left Charlotte in 2000 to manage Atlanta stations owned by Radio One, the nation's largest radio company targeting African-American listeners. Most recently he worked as general manager of Atlanta radio station "Streetz 94.5 FM."

A native of Washington, D.C., Brown grew up in northeastern North Carolina, the son of a barber and beautician. After graduation from Syracuse University, he went right into sales – hawking Vicks cold medicine on the beaches of Long Island – and succeeded.

His first job in broadcasting came in 1978 as an overnight security guard at New York's WCBS-AM. Thirteen years later, after working his way up to general sales manager, the company decided to move him to Charlotte to oversee "Power 98."

"When I first started out and told people I wanted to go into sales, they said, 'Wayne, you have three strikes against you: You're black, you're young and you look young," Brown said in a 1991 interview with the Observer. "Thirteen years later, I'm still black, I'm still young and I still look young. You just can't let uncontrollable variables get in your way."

Brown started a communications scholarship at Syracuse to help minority students.

Brown is survived by his wife, Nyesa, and two sons.
Published by Charlotte Observer from Oct. 9 to Nov. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Brown

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30 Entries

October 29, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times, we can go to God's Word for comfort and advice because He said at Psalm 32:8 . . .“I shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you.

October 26, 2012

My condolences go our to the family of Wayne Brown. He sounded like a man blessed with much talent. May comfort from knowing God is sensitive to your sufferings help at this time. Isaiah 65:17

Jo Ann

October 19, 2012

Please except my condolences. May the God of all comfort be with the family.....Isaiah 40:1.

Veronica Taylor Bates

October 17, 2012

To The Brown Family, I pray the peace of God rest upon you. God's greatest blessing to man (Wayne) was to feed his sheep so they may unlock the power within themselves. Be blessed knowing your husband, your father has been rewarded in heaven. Keep the faith.

October 16, 2012

I knew Wayne in high school and college and he was a great, great guy who lit up so many lives. He was full of adventure, loved a challenge and inspired me to do more and to do it better. I'm so grateful to have known him.

Gigi Hinton

Carolyn Brown

October 14, 2012

My condolences to Wayne Brown's family.

Shawnelle R.

October 13, 2012

My deepest sympathy to you all. In the near future God promises to "wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." I hope your able to find comfort in your time of grief, as we all look forward to this promise.

J G

October 13, 2012

My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. May the God of all comfort grant you the peace of mind that excels all thought as you remember your dear loved one.

October 12, 2012

Wayne, Wayne, Wayne. You are irreplaceable. Tremendous leader and father role model. Nyesa your classmates are praying for you and your family...from Tony Bolton,'79 The House, media industry veteran and native Washingtonian. God directs us in storms and sunshine. He is faithful. Keep looking up. Our sincere condolences.

Dennis Jackson

October 12, 2012

To my friend,
Wayne Brown was my hero. He gave me professional advice,we golfed together,we were friends.My thoughts are with his loved ones.

Louis Raynor

October 12, 2012

Wayne was serious about his music and had an exceptional memory. Many of the top Doo Woop groups knew him personally. Sadly, I had not seen him in years. One of the great Musicologists has left us. He was a regular guy. We dug deep in those days. He was an expert on the old blues groups, the songs, and personnel. So long Brother. Louis Raynor

M. Williams

October 11, 2012

Although I was not acquainted with Mr.Brown, I'm sorry to hear of his passing and would like to express my condolences to the family. May "the God who supplies endurance and comfort" bring the family peace during this time. Rom.15:5

Eric McMillian

October 10, 2012

Wayne K. You are one of the best managers and marketing professionals that I have had the pleasure of working with. God Bless your family! We love you and you will be missed.

Grayson Hampton

October 10, 2012

Rest my good brother. My condolences are with Neysa and your sons. Your freind and kappa brother forever.

October 10, 2012

The news of Wayne "squirrel Brown's passing deeply saddens me. I met him in the late 70's. The brother always wore and infectous smile thats was hard to forget. My condolences to his family. Farewell Nupe, "till we reach that golden shore"

I was very saddened to hear about the loss of a dear friend and my former General Manager at Radio One in Atlanta for 6 years. He was a true leader, a

October 10, 2012

October 9, 2012

condolences

Cheryl Emanuel

October 9, 2012

Nyesa,
My heart aches for you and your sons. I just learned the tragic news of Wayne's passing. I have such fond memories of you and Wayne. I admired him because he genuinely cared and was always approachable. He was a person of such integrity and did so much good for so many. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt condolences and hugs,

Cheryl Silver Emanuel

October 9, 2012

May the peace of God sustain you during this time. My prayers are with you.

October 9, 2012

Neysa, I will keep you and the boys in my prayers...stay strong

C Brown

October 9, 2012

Sleep well Wayne, my prayers for peace for the family..

October 9, 2012

Wayne,
You were an amazing individual that left a mark on our commubnity on what was possible... Nyesa, Dillon and Drew be strong in your faith and cherish the legency that Wayne left behind.

Emily Zimmern

October 9, 2012

Nyesa,
My heart aches for you and your sons. I just learned the tragic news of Wayne's passing. I have such fond memories of his time on the Museum of the New South board. I admired him mightily. He was a person of such integrity and did so much good for so many. May his memory ever be a blessing. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt condolences,
Emily Zimmern

Jeanette Whitlow

October 9, 2012

Nyesa, Dillon and Drew we are so sadden by the Homegoing of Wayne. You are in our thoughts and continued prayers. Jeanette, Jamil and Omar Whitlwo - Love You!!

Chris Martin

October 9, 2012

God bless you and yours. Peace be with you.

Fred

October 9, 2012

I'm truly sadden by this lose of your loved one. May God who supply endless grace and peace see you through these difficult times. I didn't know Mr. Brown and his work, but life is life and I'm sure he touched many with his talents.

LaTonya Key

October 9, 2012

RIP Wayne.

M. Williams

October 9, 2012

Although I was not acquainted with Mr.Brown, I'm sorry to hear of his passing and would like to express my condolences to the family. May "the God who supplies endurance and comfort" bring your family peace during this time. Rom.15:5

Charles Woodyard

October 9, 2012

Rest in peace Wayne. I whish we had connected on our civic venture before you passed. We will all miss you.

K Harvey

October 9, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

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