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Paul Brown Obituary
Nashville, TN
Paul Brown, age 88, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2017. He was best known for leading singing in the Churches of Christ for 70 years, specifically at West End Church of Christ, Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin, and most recently Vultee Church of Christ. A native of Murfreesboro, he is survived by his wife of 61 years, Emma Thomas Brown, his children Larry Brown and wife Shannon and Linda Butts and husband Joel, and his grandchildren Emily and Ethan Butts.
A memorial worship service of celebration in song will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Granny White Church of Christ, with visitation one hour before. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to "In Search of the Lord's Way," a program Paul and Emma listened to each Sunday morning, P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083.
An online guestbook is available for the Brown family at www.woodfinchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Brown
Sponsored by Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro.
October 14, 2018
Offering my condolences. As you remember your love one, as Almighty God heals your broken hearts, may your treasured memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure. (Psalm 147:3)
October 25, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength you need to get through this very difficult time (Phillipians 4:13) For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.
Ellen Reece
October 25, 2017
Paul has been on my mind the last few days, and I didn't know why. I Googled his name today and saw the obituary. I'm sorry.
Paul baptized me in Baton Rouge when I was young (1958 or so), and I've always thought so fondly of him. He was one of the good ones.
May God hold you in His hands at this time of earthly sorrow.
October 17, 2017
I have sweet memories of Paul being the wonderful song leader at West End when we were all young parents raising our children. He and Jim Bill were a mighty combination,and the worship was powerful, thanks to Paul. He was the best! My children still talk about the impact that season of their lives had on them. Love and blessings to each of you, Emma, Larry, and Linda.
Marilyn Williams
Perry Cotham
October 14, 2017
Emma, Larry, and Linda,
Just a brief expression of my sympathy to you on the loss of such a wonderful husband and father. I have always thought of Paul as one of the best ministers of music and acapella singing in the fellowship of the Church of Christ. I have had speaking and preaching appointments wherein Paul was the song director and so had my late dad, a fact that Paul would remind me of. We all know so well that Paul led singing not only for the Sunday worship at the congregations he served, but as guest song director at many college lectureship programs, workshop programs, gospel meetings, funeral services, special singings (such as Allensville) and I'm certain he participated by singing in weddings as well as other special occasions. In some ways, Christian singing possesses the power to touch the hearts and lives of worshipers more than does the sermon. There is no way to know how many lives he has touched. In all of this ministry, he brought both a knowledge and sense of practical wisdom, but also a sense of humor and easy-going personality that put everyone at ease. He was also a teacher and mentor. His place in the history of our fellowship is locked in, and your family and his many friends and former associates will truly miss and fondly remember him.
LaRue Moss
October 13, 2017
Sending love and my condolences. Paul and I attended church together at Church Street Church of Christ and were at David Lipscomb College together from 1952-1956.
Jim & Dawn Taylor
October 13, 2017
Dear Emma, Linda & Larry, We just wanted to write and express our deepest sympathy in the passing of Paul. He was so good to me personally and always encouraged me in my work & endeavors. Paul was a mighty tool in the hands of God to encourage the saints. God gave Paul a gift in music, song leading & Christian Education. Paul used his gifts to honor & glorify his creator. You certainly have our condolences! Jim & Dawn Taylor
Amber Burgess
October 13, 2017
Dear Emma and Family,
I send my condolences to your family. I never had the opportunity to meet Paul but I have had the pleasure to work for his brother for many years. My heart goes out to your family and I will keep you in my prayers.
October 13, 2017
Dear Emma, Larry, & Linda,
I remember the good times we had together when you lived in Memphis . Also remember visiting you in Nashville. I especially remember when Johnnie and I visited with Paul and Emma took us to the Grand Ole Opry . I will keep you in my prayers. In Christian love, Wanda Davis
Sue Berry
October 12, 2017
My love and respect for all of the Browns have remained strong through these many days and years. For Paul's family--Emma, Larry, and Linda--I express love and sympathy.
Sue Berry
Lynne Herndon
October 12, 2017
Emma and family,
We were very sad to learn of Paul's death. Sitting at your table every lunch time we felt your were our people and we really got to know him. He was a brilliant man and had such a wonderful voice. We know you will miss him terribly after 61 years.Lovingly,
Jerry Henderson
October 12, 2017
Emma,
I have so many fond memories of Paul, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My memories go back to Baton Rouge when Larry was a baby; that's when I grew so fond of you and Paul. My best wishes to you, Larry and Linda.
Clyde & Darlene Payne Lewis
October 12, 2017
October 12,2017
Dear Emma and family,
We were so sad to learn of Paul's passing from this life. He was such a great presence in the lives of the Payne family in Baton Rouge. We loved him dearly. He was the best song director that I had ever known and also a great Bible School director.
Carol Ghattas
October 11, 2017
I'm so sad to hear of the passing of Paul. I remember him well from when the Browns all got together in years past. Please know we are thinking and praying for you all. Carol Brown Ghattas (Tom Brown's daughter) for Steve, David, Debbie and Joe
Bob Hendren
October 11, 2017
Had the pleasure of meeting Paul back in Baton Rouge, LA many years ago. Always thought he was a talented and caring servant of the Lord!
October 11, 2017
May God be your strength in this time of sorrow Matthew 5:4 "Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted."
Rebecca/Ernest Blunkall
October 11, 2017
Paul Brown touched our lives when we were in Memphis,TN in 1966. My husband was a student at UT Pharmacy and working a summer job when he was injured in a freak accident. We were a young couple and away from home. Paul came to us from Highland Church with his kindness and guidance. What an unforgettable impression he made! It's our regret that we didn't see more of him over the years but he has remained in our thoughts and conversation about those days in Memphis. The first time we ever heard "How Great Thou Art" was him and the emphasis he put on our to-be favorite hymn. We are sad and sorry to hear about Paul's passing but want Emma and family to know how we were touched by Paul. We pray for God's blessings on this family.
October 11, 2017
To the entire family of Paul Brown-=what an incredible man of God and one of the best song leaders I have ever known. Thank you for your example and the way you loved the LORD. I will also never forget the good word that you put in for JD at GoodWood in Baton Rouge. I know that Paul is singing with the angels in heaven! GOD bless each of you! We love you Anne and Kai Hardison, Kimberly and Guil Ezell, JD Eddins' family.
October 11, 2017
Paul Brown was a longtime friend. He was a wonderful man, faithful Christian as well as husband and father. He had a part in my mother's funeral several years back. He is now leading singing in Heaven with the Heavenly Choir!! May God bless his good wife and his entire family!!
Kent & Adelia Hall
October 11, 2017
Emma & Family,
Paul was truly a Christian gentleman and blessed so many lives along the way! We moved to Nashville in 1969 to begin our ministry with the Hillsboro congregation. Paul was always helpful in assisting me in developing various programs. We participated in a number of Teacher Training Workshops and sang at numerous funerals. Thank you Emma for "sharing" this good man all these years. We send our love, prayers and blessings.
Jim Fitzgerald
October 11, 2017
Paul was a great man who served as a mentor to me during his time in Franklin. He was caring, loving, and very wise. I will always remember him for the love he shared with my family when my father passed away, and he was even a part of my wedding. He will be greatly missed. Emma and family, we love you and will be praying for you!
Barbara Money
October 11, 2017
Bro. Brown came and led singing many times at gospel meetings at the Walter Hill Church of Christ in Murfreesboro. We all loved it when he came and considered him to be a dear friend of our congregation. My family extends our love and sympathy to you.
William Easley
October 11, 2017
Sorry for your loss of Paul. He was such an inspiration to us at North Boulevard here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And those songs he led were uplifting to all. Emma, you gave my Daddy a great compliment when you thought I was his wife!!! We love your family and know you will miss Paul so much. (Son Jim was at Anita's Kindergarten.) Love, Bill and Ritz Easley
Pamela Leptic
October 11, 2017
Ms Emma, Linda & Joel & Larry & Shannon & family,
We will miss him and we are so thankful that you all shared him with us here at Sycamores Terrace. We will be here for Ms Emma. Praying and thinking of you all, Bill & Pamela & Sycamores Staff & Residents.
Dorothy Vaughan
October 11, 2017
Emma and Children
I'm so sorry the hear of the loss of Paul. I will be praying for you all. I cannot attend any of the services. I will be thinking of you today and the coming weeks.
Love
Dorothy Vaughan
minerva arnold
October 11, 2017
Emma and Family
I will be out of town on Sunday but my heart will be with you and the family on Sunday. I love him so much. I enjoy work with Paul at GA. He had a great voice. Sorry for your loss. Minerva Arnold
David McMeen
October 11, 2017
Bro. Paul has received his reward - a faithful man
My prayers with my friend Larry and the whole family
Julie Hendrix
October 11, 2017
I know this dear man and child of our Savior is enjoying Glory and continues his angelic work in the Kingdom. He is deeply missed by those who knew and couldn't help but love him here. Deep peace to all of his family and friends.
Darryl Sanderson
October 10, 2017
We send our love to Emma and the rest of the family. Paul meant so much to us for many, many years. Paul truly exemplified the love of Christ to all he met. From Darryl and Jerilyn Sanderson
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