Bud Mitchel Brown

Bud Mitchel Brown, age 76, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025.

Born on July 2, 1949, Bud was the beloved son of the late Anna Mae Lauer. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Luther and Mary Lou Farmer; his sister, Mary Presley; and his father-in-law, Jack Watson.

Bud met the love of his life, Candy, during their sophomore year of high school, and together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and family. Married for 56 years, they shared countless adventures and created memories that will be cherished forever.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Candy Brown; sons Mitchel (Emily) Brown and Adam (Natalie) Brown; and four grandchildren he adored-Blake, Mitchel, Maddie, and Vivian. He is also survived by his sister, Pat Chastain; his brother,Larry Lauer; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Len and Lynn Gober; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Brent and Teresa Watson; and his mother-in-law, Dolores Watson.

Bud had a distinguished and lifelong career in healthcare spanning more than 30 years. He began as an orderly at Bradley Memorial Hospital while still a junior in high school and later became manager of the Vascular Lab. He also served as a first assistant in surgery with Surgical Associates, earning the respect of colleagues and patients alike through his skill, dedication, and compassionate care.

Bud loved life more than most people. A simple man who didn't need much and never met a stranger, he always had a camera or video recorder in hand, capturing life's little moments so they could be remembered and shared. A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Bud competed as a young man and continued playing with friends well into his later years. He was always all about the "W," bringing energy, humor, and joy to everything he did. He was a cherished member of First Baptist Church. 

Bud Brown will be deeply missed-but his spirit lives on in his children, his grandchildren, and in every story, every memory, and every photo he left behind. His easy smile, big heart, and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Len Gober, Todd Gober, Camden Gober, Traegan Gober, David Melson, and Brent Watson.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 4th, from 1-3 PM at Companion Funeral Home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Private family burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research.