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Derry Brown Obituary
January 21, 1960 - October 11, 2023
Hamptonville - Derry Lee Brown, 63, met his Lord and Savior Wednesday, October 11, 2023 surrounded by his beloved family. He was born January 21, 1960 in Yadkin County to the late Roby Brown and Joann Mathis Brown. He was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Hamptonville, NC where he served as a Sunday School teacher. Mr. Brown retired from Yadkin County Schools in 2014 where he was a respected History/PE teacher, coach, and mentor at East Bend Elementary and Starmount Middle School. Mr. Brown loved teaching and coaching, and cherished the friendships he made with his students and athletes. Derry loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He enjoyed archery and spent many afternoons shooting the bow. Other hobbies he enjoyed included golfing with family and friends and cheering on his beloved Boston Red Sox. In his younger years he played on many softball teams and was arguably known as one of the best hitters around. Out of all these, his most beloved pastime was being a Pa to his grandchildren and spending time with his family. He always looked forward to the weekly trips to Speedy Chef and beach trips with the family each summer. Derry never met a stranger and always had an entertaining story to tell. He was a friend to all.
Those left to cherish his memory include: his son, Rhett Brown; his daughter, Hannah (Loren) Neal; grandchildren Ryder and Lylah Jane Neal; his soul mate, Donna Walker; his sister, Julie (Robert) Moxley of Boonville, NC; nephew and niece, Trevor and Abby Moxley.
His funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Mountain View Baptist Church in Hamptonville by the Rev. Joel Riley and the Rev. Keith Stanley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. The family would like to thank Sandy Brown and Dr. Gunnar Key for all the love and care shown to Derry during his illness. Memorials can be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 243 N. Lee Ave, Yadkinville, NC 27055 or to Mountain View Baptist Church, 1232 Mountain View Church Road, Hamptonville, NC 27055. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Brown family. Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.
Gentry Family Funeral Service
5108 Us Hwy 601, Yadkinville, NC 27055
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Memories and Condolences
for Derry Brown
Sponsored by Gentry Family Funeral Service - Yadkinville.
Kevin Shinault
October 16, 2023
Derry Brown was a good man, teacher and coach. He kept things in perspective and you could tell he was in it for the right reasons! His personality and attitude was infectious! Derry and I were hired in 1985, I believe. I was PE teacher and coach at Jonesville and he went to East Bend. We coached 3 years of 7/8 th grade basketball and baseball against each other and then I transferred to little Forbush and Fall Creek. We coached the same for 5 more years against each other. I left in 93 when my second child was born, but I loved my time in Yadkin, the kids, the great communities and the camaraderie from people like Derry Brown. God bless his family, children and grandchildren. I never heard anyone say anything but great stuff about Coach Brown.
Cindy McMurray
October 15, 2023
Dearest Rhett and Hannah, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Cindy McMurray
Sandie Grant
October 15, 2023
One of my most favorite alums of SHS. So talented and a great personality. I know he must have been fun in the classroom. Prayers for all of the family. A great loss for a huge community of friends.
Michelle Warden
October 15, 2023
I have so many fond memories of Mr Brown. He was an amazing teacher and everyone loved him. His smile was contagious. I will cherish him as my favorite history teacher who made learning fun and who loved and genuinely cared for his students. To the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Bobby and Sharon Childress
October 15, 2023
Derry was a great friend and neighbor he will be missed
Scarlet Owens
October 14, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Andy Kercher
October 14, 2023
I was in his first class. Mr. Brown was one of my absolute favorite teachers. A good man. A supportive coach.
Amy Gardner Harlee
October 14, 2023
Great man from a great family. Gone too soon.
Steve Johnson
October 14, 2023
Thanks for coaching my son Josh. Love u man
Deborah Gough
October 14, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Derry Brown at East Bend School. He taught me so much about making decisions as an administrator for both students and teachers. His advice “Listen to us first.” Mr. Brown was an extraordinary teacher. His students knew how much he cared for them and that made all the difference. He was a teacher who could “lecture” to his students captivating their attention and immersing them in the learning process. He was a gifted storyteller, guitarist, and songwriter who used his talents to teach his students. And boy did they learn! On school trips to Washington, DC, and the North Carolina Outer Banks, I witnessed how much his students knew about geography and history. I was totally amazed! To paraphrase the team from Southern Association of Schools who visited East Bend School, “Mr. Brown is the only teacher we have ever seen who totally captivated his students with lecture, song, and stories. He is an extraordinary teacher and you are fortunate to have him here.” Mr. Brown has made a difference in so many of his students’ lives. His impact will be long lasting. To Donna, Hannah, and Rhett.my heart aches for you. Such a great loss. You will be in my thought and prayers in the days to come. We have all been blessed just by knowing Mr. Derry Brown.
Debbie Gough
Administrator, East Bend School
1998 - 2008
Megan Gregory
October 14, 2023
He will be missed dearly. He was my favorite teacher in school and taught me so much. Thank you for all that you done for so many. Rip Mr Brown.
Gretchen Nicholson
October 13, 2023
Derry will always be in my heart. I have so many great memories of this wonderful man! Thinking of his family and friends and praying for peace and comfort.
John Sherrill
October 13, 2023
May God be with you in this time of grief Derry was a great teacher to both Paige and Nathan glad he was their teacher
Brandon Martin
October 13, 2023
Mr. Brown was a great role model, teacher and coach at East Bend where I attended. I can remember many wholesome and heart filled things he did while I was there. Even before I had Mr. Brown as a teacher, I looked forward to having him as my teacher. I can say from myself and other peers from East Bend that he made a standard of making learning fun and interesting. This was one of a kind to me. I am absolutely certain Mr. Brown has introduced a new glorious song in Heaven, praising and shining his light as he always has. May God Bless you. Brandon Martin
Ronnie Harris
October 13, 2023
We will miss you and your stories
Tim Driver
October 13, 2023
Derry ( Buzz ) Brown
What a guy and what a friend!!
We had some of the best times in high school and in the band with JP, those memories will never leave me. Seen him few months ago at Silo Run and I told him,
I know your sick and praying you get better but I want you to know I Love You, we hugged and he said ( Drive I love you to )
May God be with all his family and this is one of the Great ones gone way too soon.
I will see my good friend again some day!!
Rest in peace my brother.
Tim Driver
Howard Snow jr
October 13, 2023
So sorry for your loss. He was one of the best teachers I have ever had.
Jennifer Creasey
October 13, 2023
Rhett,
I am sorry for the loss of your father. May God give you comfort during this difficult time. I will be praying for you and your family.
Vena Jester
October 13, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss. I watched Derry grow up and was so proud of his accomplishments in life. My mother grew up with his daddy, Roby. I worked many years with his mother, Joann. May the LORD give you all peace and comfort you during this time.
Lisa Durham Adams
October 13, 2023
Prayers for the family, He was a great teacher!!
cleve hollar
October 13, 2023
I'm proud to have worked in the Yadkin County School System with Derry Brown. Derry was a Great person and teacher. Cleve Hollar
Reva omara
October 13, 2023
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher an friend. He Will always be remembered. R.I.P
Beth Holcomb
October 13, 2023
He had the best personality of any person I've ever met. Always a delight to be around. Back in his younger days Ernie and I enjoyed going to the beach with him and travelling to softball tournaments together. One of the funny stories on him was he couldn't watch scary scenes in movies. We were all sitting at a movie together and a scary scene was getting ready to happen and he covered his eyes..... such good times with a wonderful person. RIP Derry Brown.
April Frazier Knight
October 13, 2023
Mr Brown was a great teacher and person. He always found a way to make your day better. Granted he is the reason I despise Hootie and the Blowfish haha but every time I hear them I think of him. One of my favorite memories of him is him always reminding us that a dogs mouth was cleaner than a humans. That was him though always finding a way to make you laugh. He left an impact on many and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing and it is truly a great loss. Prayers to his family and friends.
Renee Hennings-Gonzalez
October 13, 2023
There aren’t many people who leave a true impression on you, over 25 years later!
Mr. Brown made everyone feel like someone. His true love of education, building relationships with students and loving his community shone through his actions as a teacher.
He’s one of the reasons I went into education, always putting students and their families first.
He will be dearly missed
Randy Taylor
October 12, 2023
Derry was a great guy, played ball against him for years win or lose he had great character
Nicole Cress
October 12, 2023
I am so sad to hear this news. He was an amazing light to this world, a lover of family and good music and he had the best smile. He had a sense of humor like no other and I could see the love, respect and admiration he had for Mrs. Walker since we were in elementary school. Praying for peace for your family and admiring your strength in these recent months of your illness. God bless. See you on the other side, Mr. Brown.
Pam Tulbert
October 12, 2023
Hannah, Rhett and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort as only God can give during this time of sorrow.
Lydia Swortzel
October 12, 2023
What a loss. Mr. Brown sparked a love for history in me that has never been extinguished. His classes made learning fun and fostered an environment for life long retention. I still remember the question I missed on his 100 NC counties test, as well as his wonderful Civil War stories. I also won’t complain about his frequent guitar sessions, introducing us youngsters to the likes of The Eagles. Later in life, once I became an adult, we liked to banter about politics when we ran into each other. His endearing use of the English language will stay with me throughout life. He never met a stranger and was so incredibly proud of his family. I’m sure countless students of his have just as fond memories of him. My condolences to his family, but what a wonderful legacy he has left!
Amanda Martin
October 12, 2023
Mr. Brown My kids have heard stories of "The Block" and of my favorite history teacher ... who was always enthusiastic about basically everything, but most importantly: dinner (always ready to leave before the lunch bell to be first in line ), music & classroom serenades, jokes, story-telling, "Your Day" because he was not going to let us fail his test!, and most of all -- people -- he genuinely cared about his students, his athletes, his family, anyone who had the privilege to be in his life.
I am heartbroken for those of you he has left behind -- sending my deepest condolences.
Robin Campbell Thompson
October 12, 2023
I went to high school with Derry and remember him as one of the kindest, funniest, most charismatic guys I’ve ever known. His humor always filled our band group with laughter, and is a part of all my treasured memories from those days. I can imagine him as a very entertaining teacher and know he will be greatly missed.
Emily Osborne
October 12, 2023
Mr. Brown was one of my favorite teachers. I’ll always remember him playing guitar, or coming up behind us girls on the way to lunch singing “Girls just want to have fun.” He will be greatly missed and my prayers go out to his family.
Gary and Tammy Myers
October 12, 2023
Rhett and Hannah, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Your Dad was always smiling and never knew a stranger. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace now in Heaven. Love and prayers.
Judy H. CLEARY Cleary
October 12, 2023
Thoughts & Prayers for comfort from our Lord, for all the family.
Kristen Stokes
October 12, 2023
Julie, so sorry to hear of your brother passing. Many prayers for you and your family.
Courtney Rowland
October 12, 2023
My heart goes out to your family during this time. Mr. Brown was always so much fun. I had the privilege of being one of his students at East Bend. A fun memory I have of him was singing an ACDC song together on a field trip. I always enjoyed when he would bring in his guitar and sing during class. Mr. Brown was one of the best and he will truly be missed.
Eric Anthony
October 12, 2023
Mr. Brown was one of my favorite teachers and coaches growing up. He had the ability to teach and bond with students in a special way. He will truly be missed. Prayers for the family.
I know take it easy by Eagles is playing loud in heaven
Wendy Spillman Brintle
October 12, 2023
I'm sad to hear of Mr. Brown's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at East Bend Elementary. We had so much fun listening to the Beach Boys during PE. We also would watch Gone With The Wind in history class. He will truly be missed. My sincere condolences go out to his family.
Joseph Allred
October 12, 2023
Mr Brown, my absolute most favorite teacher of all time. He was so much more than just a teacher, he was a mentor, coach, friend and someone who I have always looked up. People ask me why I am a Red Sox fan and my story always starts with him. I hope he knew how many lives he touch.
Ashley Golden
October 12, 2023
Mr. Brown was certainly one of the most influential teachers I had while at East Bend Elementary School. He was a man of wisdom and certainty loved the students. I'll always remember him by his hats and the guitar. I will always remember him playing the guitar in class. He will truly be missed by many! Mrs. Walker and Rhett, I will be praying for you and your family.
Debbie Williams
October 12, 2023
I met Derry years ago when he and Donna would be at some family get-togethers. He was always friendly and enjoyed being with the extended family. Donna, you have stood with him through the hard times, and he did the same for you when we lost Charlene. You two seemed like a perfect match. We are praying that God will comfort your heart as only he can.
Kim Campbell-Tolbert
October 12, 2023
I’m heartbroken. Derry was a great guy. He will be missed! Prayers for all.
Jessica Spillman Cline
October 12, 2023
Mr. Brown was one of my favorite teachers! I always enjoyed his class and the talks we had about music. My heart is broken and I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Connie Burcham
October 12, 2023
My heart breaks for the family and friends. I enjoyed knowing Derry at EBES.He could bring a smile or laugh to you all the time. He loved teaching and coaching and the kids loved him.My prayers are with each of you.Lord please give comfort and peace to all that was blessed with knowing him ❤
Brandon Norman
October 12, 2023
Derry always made me feel like one of his own. I thoroughly enjoyed talking baseball and golf each time we’d meet in passing. He was one of a kind that will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. May he rest in peace and as always, Go Red Sox! Godspeed, Derry.
Karen Young
October 12, 2023
Donna and family, so sorry for the loss of Derry. He was an exceptional human being. So hard to understand the loss of someone just beginning to enjoy his retirement years. I am sending love, hugs and prayers ❤
Dean Nixon
October 12, 2023
He will be missed by so many. He was a dear friend and bow shooting partner. I will miss him dearly. God bless to all the family
Angela Hutchens
October 12, 2023
Mr. Brown was the BEST HISTORY TEACHER OF ALL TIME, even if he did makes us take 8,000 pages of notes!! He was always supportive, gave the best advise, best hand shakes, he was just an all around amazing person. He will be truly missed, prayers for the family!!
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Gentry Family Funeral Service - Yadkinville5108 US 601 Hwy, Yadkinville, NC 27055
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