Gilbert Ray Brown

Gilbert Ray Brown, age 82, of Seagrove passed away on January 3, 2026 at his daughter’s home.

Mr. Brown was born in Asheboro on March 21, 1943 to Clarence and Ethel Roberts Brown. Gilbert was a 1962 graduate of Seagrove High School, attended Brevard Junior College for 2 years, and was a 1967 graduate of East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He was employed at Ramseur Middle School from 1974-1986, where he taught 7th-8th grade science, health and PE and was the athletic director. Following the opening of NERMS, Gilbert served in the same capacity and coached almost all sports. He retired from education in the year 2000. He loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed riding his tractor with his 5 grandsons. Gilbert loved helping people and was a member of the Civitan Club for 5 years. He was a former Sunday School teacher. After his retirement, Gilbert enjoyed traveling, the beach, hunting, and deep-sea fishing. He loved his beagles and bird dogs. Most of all, Gilbert loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Gilbert was preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Ruth Brown, Mickey Brown, Carl Brown, Lynn Brown and his beloved dog, JoJo.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathy Brown; daughters, Debra Brown Jessup (Kevin Jessup) of Cornelius and Kim Brown (David Riffe); grandchildren, Carter Jessup (Natalie Buechler) of Virginia, Mason Jessup and Adam Jessup both of Charlotte, and Riley Staley and Camden Riffe both of Seagrove; and his sisters-in-law, Janie Brown of Burlington and Linda Brown of Dobson.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 am at Flag Springs Methodist Church with Rev. Carol Hunter and Rev. Derrick Moody officiating. Burial will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Seagrove Methodist Church Cemetery, Seagrove, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Flag Springs Methodist Church, 5852 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 or Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC 27203.