Charles Philip Brown

Charles Philip Brown passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026 at 92 years old.

Born on March 21, 1933, Charles was a lifelong Memphian, growing up in Midtown with his parents Charles and Carmen Brown and younger brothers David and Lanny, who preceded him in death, and his sister Joan Brown Farino, who he is survived by.

More than anything, Charles valued family and truly cherished his beloved wife of 69 years, Rosalene "Rose" Tidwell Brown, who preceded him in death. Living by the advice he gave to every newlywed couple, Charles and Rose married in October 1953 and never left their honeymoon, loving one another and their family completely.

Together, he and Rose shared three daughters, Cheryl Butler, Debby Overstreet (Don) and Ann Marie Dunahoo (Tim), along with six grandchildren - Sara Morgan, Jessica Payne, Greg Winters, Josh Butler, Katie Green, and Emily Tipton, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

After graduating from Memphis Catholic High School, Charles worked for the family business, conducting underwater diving recovery services. He then served in the United States Army in Washington, DC during the Korean War. Charles returned to Memphis and worked for Velsicol Chemical, Southwestern Bell Phone Company, and then Kellogg, where he worked for over 25 years and retired from.

In retirement, Charles and Rose moved to Atoka, TN where they enjoyed membership at St. Williams Catholic Church. They seized every opportunity to be with their family and beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often claiming one another the official "baby hog." They also enjoyed many travels to "see more country," especially enjoying trips out West. Charles was an outdoorsman, loving to hunt squirrels and deer and appreciating any opportunity to observe wildlife.

Charles will be remembered by his family and friends for the boyish sparkle in his eye that he never lost, his sense of humor, his poignant and funny sayings, and his quiet attentiveness.

It is not an overstatement to say that Charles never complained. Even when complaining would have been more than understandable, he was patient, grateful, and steadfast in his trust in the Lord until he was called home.

He leaves behind a grateful family and extended family who will cherish shared memories and aim to embody his poignant and brief words of wisdom in their lives, including: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing"; "It's just a trifle"; and "Mad Love."

Charles' daughters and family wish to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to St Ann Catholic Church Barlett's Ministry of the Sick, and the caregivers at Foxbridge Senior Living Community and Crossroads Hospice for their skilled care and compassion.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 6529 Stage Rd. Bartlett, TN with a visitation before at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.