Elon - Willard Doyle Brown, 81, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Peak Resources in Graham. He was born in Guilford County on March 30, 1943 to the late James Vadis and Lillie Elizabeth Sutton Brown and was the husband of 62 years to Carolyn Simpson Brown of the home.
Willard attended New Hope Baptist Church for many years. He was an avid NASCAR fan and attended numerous races at his neighboring Ace Speedway. Willard was a skilled electrician, but his true passion was turning the wrench as an auto mechanic. He enjoyed working with his hands and referred to himself as the “Jack of all trades, but master of none.” He was a kind and generous man who never met a stranger, and will be missed by his family and the many friends he gained over the years.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn; children, Maria Brown (Eric), James Brown (Deborah), Karen Ward (Carlton); grandchildren, Darryl Pegg (Stacey), Stephanie Pegg, Katie Pegg, Kimberly Sigworth, Dalton Brown, Aaron Brown, Samantha Ward (Dusty), Heather Wagner (Caleb); step grandchildren, Kim Dawkins (Ken), Craig Hodge; great grandchildren, Austin Davis, Skylar Davidson, Gabriel Pegg, Autumn Thomas, Stephan Thomas, Kaitlyn Thomas; three step great grandchildren; brother, David Brown and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Renee Brown Neese, Patricia Jane Brown; his parents, James and Lillie Brown; brothers, Levon, Larry, Boyd, Curtis and Donald Brown and a sister, Bernice Woodlief.
A service to celebrate Willard’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Ron Moore with the burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:45 prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Christian Church at 1401 Bethel Methodist Church Rd, Burlington, NC 27217.
To sign the online register book, and to watch the service, please visit www.lowefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2205 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215

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