R. Derek Brown

Derek Brown BRENTWOOD, Tenn. R. Derek Brown, 52, of Arlington, Texas, passed away Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011. He was born in Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 16, 1958, a descendent of the founding families of middle Tennessee. Derek graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S.E.E. in 1985. He enjoyed a 25-year career with Corning Cable Systems. Derek was an accomplished chef, scuba diver, wine enthusiast, technologist and outstanding fisherman who traveled around the world with his wife and friends in pursuit of adventure. Derek's joy in discovery led him to seek out the new and interesting; his intellect and drive gave him the ability to achieve the best in everything he did; and his funny, generous and loving spirit were freely extended and treasured by his family, friends and colleagues throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sandra Cook Brown, of Arlington, Texas; his father and mother, Robert Alden Brown and Emily Washington Brown of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and two sisters Amy Brown Price, of Austin, Texas, and Celia Brown Morse, of Franklin, Tenn. Rev. Kaye Harvey will conduct a memorial service in celebration of Derek's life at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027. The family will receive friends from 4:30 until the time of the service. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the American Humane Society or your local parks and wildlife foundation.