Kenneth L. Brown

Mr. Kenneth Lee Brown, 91, went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 20, 2025. He was born March 19, 1934 to the late Austin Azrell Brown and Mollie Styers Brown in Yadkin County; he was the oldest of six siblings.

Kenny attended Fall Creek Elementary and East Bend High School. Later he earned a business degree from Oak Ridge Military Academy. He then joined the Army where he held the rank of sergeant first class and was stationed in Panama. Upon returning, he married his love, Betsy Lunsford, in 1957. Kenny was a lifelong faithful member of Union Cross Friends Church in Yadkinville and actively served his church for many years as trustee and on other committees.

He began his professional career at Western Electric in the supply and purchasing department and soon established his own business, “Browns Used Cars”, which he operated for over forty years. Over that time, he built a reputation in the community based on honesty and integrity. He made many trips to Detroit, MI. and Washington, DC to buy cars. Even after retirement, he continued working with automobiles. He had a passion for cars and racing and loved to collect Nascar memorabilia. Kenny always surrounded himself with close family and friends who loved to travel and vacation together. His favorite activities included golfing, boating, fishing, gardening, riding his motorcycle, yard work, being outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Kenny was a family man who adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren; they affectionately called him “Papa”. He spent lots of quality time with them and supported them throughout their lives. He was humble, kind, considerate, and helped people in need. His Christian faith, and time with close friends and family were the highlights of his life. His family benefited and appreciated his quiet strong constant leadership.

Mr. Brown is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betsy Lunsford Brown, his devoted daughters, Gina Brown Hayes (David), Lisa Brown Groce (Christopher), and Tiffany Brown Burgiss (John). His grandchildren are Carrie Hayes Bjorkquist (Eric), Dr. Tyler Groce, Austin Groce (Brittany), Riley Burgiss (Gigi), and Maddie Burgiss. His great grandchildren are Carter Groce, Mack Bjorkquist, Brexli Groce, Daxtin Groce, and Kenneth Le Groce. Kenny is also survived by his faithful sisters, Jane Hennings (Alvis), Annette Hennings (Joe) and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Harold Gray Brown, Clara Brown Hinshaw, and Sue Brown North and a special aunt, Blanche Sabotta, all whom he loved dearly.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and administration at Vienna Village Assisted Living Facility for the loving care and attention they gave to him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 29 from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. A celebration of Kenny Brown’s life will follow at Union Cross Friends Church at 3:30 PM officiated by Rev. Jared Warden and Rev. Nelson Puffenbarger with a graveside service to follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Union Cross Friends Church Building Fund, c/o Kathy Sharpe, treasurer, 2533 Union Cross Church Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Kenneth Lee Brown will always be remembered as a good man who was devoted to his faith, church, family and friends. He left us an example to follow by the life that he lived. We loved him dearly and will never forget his kindness