David Lewis Brown Sr.

David Lewis Brown Sr. 75, entered into eternity on November 11,2024.
David began life in the usual way in Baltimore City Hospital, Baltimore Maryland, born into a family of nine children and two parents. He spent much of his childhood alternating between the big city streets of Baltimore and the quiet back country roads of West Virginia.
David loved and appreciated being an American. Following in the footsteps of earlier ancestors and many of his brothers, he possessed a deep love and gratitude for his country. When his draft notice to Vietnam arrived, David was out to sea with the Merchant Marines. When he arrived back at port with his draft notice having been rescinded, he promptly resigned from the Merchant Marines and enlisted into the US Army. Where he would serve until retiring. His sailing days and time in the military carried him around the world but his heart was always here in America.
David met his greatest love as a teenager in Baltimore, Della Loretta Brogdon. Theirs was a love affair that would last for 59 years. During that time they raised two sons, providing a safe and loving home. Early on David determined to be present with his family whom He dearly loved. He sacrificed his time and energy for his wife and sons; their needs came first- always. David was mindful to instill in his sons a respect for those around them, he taught by example how a man should be self-reliant and resourceful. In addition to his military career he was an accomplished carpenter, auto mechanic, and chef. He once prepared food in a five-star restaurant during the 1982 World's Fair held in Knoxville TN. David was a man who was just as comfortable baking a cake, mending a torn shirt, or sitting in a foxhole behind an M60 machine gun. He and his family traveled extensively around the US visiting Civil War battlegrounds and historic venues as he passed on his love and admiration for the American way of life.
Later in life David felt a new and more distinct call. It was at this time that he surrendered his heart and will to Jesus Christ. Now his community and circle of friends expanded even greater. Just as with everything else in his life, he offered himself unreservedly to this cause. This is evidenced by how greatly he is loved and admired by his church community. He was baptized at and a member of, Wallace Memorial Baptist church in Knoxville, TN.
David is proceeded in death by his wife, Della; father, Henry Lewis Brown; mother, Thayes Verleria; sisters, Beverly and Leona; brothers, Victor, Buck, and Raymond.
He is survived by three brothers, Ed of Knoxville, Butch, and Benny. His sons, Johnathan of Knoxville, David and wife Rhonda of Oak Ridge; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7:00pm at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church (701 Merchant Dr, Knoxville, TN 37912)
Gentry-Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Brown family and invites you to sign the online registry at www.gentrygriffey.com.