Charles Brown Jr.

1939 - 2024

Charles Brown, Jr.

September 1, 1939 - April 24, 2024

Marion, North Carolina - Charles Melvin Brown, Jr., of Marion (and recently Morganton), North Carolina, died on April 24th, 2024 after a recent cancer diagnosis. He was born September 1st, 1939 in Rutherford County, North Carolina to Charles Sr. and Gertrude Goodwin Brown. He and Jane Elizabeth Byrd Brown were married June 2nd, 1962 in the Chapel at Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Known at the time (and to some, forever, as Melvin), Charles grew up in Marion and spent Summers with his mother's family in Talladega, Alabama.

He was a graduate of Marion High School (where he played the bass drum with the Rippers Marching Band), the University of North Carolina (Tar Heel born, Tar Heel bred), and the University of North Carolina School of Law. Charles served as an officer in the US Navy prior to practicing law in

Rocky Mount and Marion, NC, before a 41-year career with the NC Employment Security Commission. That career was interrupted in 1990, when he was recalled to active duty by the Navy Reserve for the duration of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, after which, he retired with the rank of

Captain. Although he was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine (and was gratified by serving the country and the people of North Carolina), he would say that he discovered his true vocation when he became the coach of the McDowell High School Women's tennis team, following his retirement from state employment. His methods were guided by his love for tennis, and he often said that he wasn't coaching, but only helping young people have fun by playing better.

Charles was also a dedicated runner, completing multiple marathons, including Boston, New York City and the Marine Corps Marathon, with at least one sub-three hour race.

He survived his parents, an older brother, Bobby, who died in infancy, and two much-loved sisters, Dale [Spencer] Cranford and Vandalyn [Tom] Barbee.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, son, Chuck [Sue Reinecke] Brown, daughter, Byrd [Lou Lemmers] Brown; his grandchildren, Macs and Henry Brown, Mikey and Sam Watts, Will and Annabelle Reinecke, and special-category granddaughters, Rosa and Sophie Fowler; his nephews, Reid [Cindy] Cranford, Rick [Connie] Cranford, John [Debra] Sineath, and niece, Brooke [Ryan] Baldwin. He would have insisted on expressing regret that lack of space prevents mentioning all of his tennis players by name.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Marion with Revs. Barbara Boyd Mayo and Michael Holder officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Marion. Inurnment will follow the memorial service at the church's columbarium.

The United States Navy will provide military honors.

No flowers, please. Those who are inclined may make a contribution to: Grace Ridge Retirement Community Department of Social Services at 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, N.C. 28655.

Westmoreland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.