Donald Ray Brown

          Donald Ray Brown, age 77, of Florence, SC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5 under the care of Agape Hospice at MUSC-Florence.

          Don was born on September 18, 1948, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to Theophilous “Offie” Brown and Louise Ellis Brown. He grew up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and graduated from Red Oak High School in 1966. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. His work life involved multiple roles in industrial sales where he developed deep and effective working relationships with his customers, ensuring they had all they needed for their plant to run smoothly.

          He married Joan Gibbons Brown on July 29, 1989, and together they shared over 36 years of marriage.

          Don was well-loved by many and a friend to everyone. He led a singles Bible Study in Florence which was attended by many. He had a huge heart and cherished his family and friends dearly. Don was elected Elder Emeritus at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church in 2021 and served as an elder in that congregation for many years. He also served there in numerous other leadership, teaching and mentoring roles. He was on the Board of Trustees of the King’s Academy as the session representative.

          Don lived a full and joyful life, one centered around the people and moments he loved most. He found happiness in family vacations that brought everyone together, camping trips with close friends filled with laughter (he had a great laugh), and quiet afternoons spent reading a good book. He found joy in tending to his yard with care and making sure everything looked just right. In his younger years, he loved the thrill of skiing, and throughout his life, he never passed up a sweet treat or dessert to share. Whether outdoors or around the kitchen table, his favorite place was anywhere surrounded by people he loved—his warmth, humor, and easy smile made every gathering brighter. He will be remembered for his kindness, devotion and most importantly his strong Christian faith.

          He is survived by his wife, Joan, and twin children Charlotte Louise Brown of New York, NY and Benjamin Ellis Brown of Greenville, SC. Don is also survived by his twin brother Ronald Brown (wife Linda) of Garner, NC, sister Georgia Brown Fuller (husband Bill) of Kansas City, MO and sister-in-law Kim Brown, Mount Airy, NC. Don was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Thomas Brown.

          A visitation will be held at the family home on 2505 W. Newcastle Road, Florence, SC 29501 on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 pm. There will be another visitation on October 11, 2025 from 11:30 -12:30 pm for those unable to come on October 10th, hosted at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church prior to the celebration of life.

         A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1021 S. Ebenezer Road, Florence, SC 29501 on October 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm. A family graveside service will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

         In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Florence, The Kings Academy of Florence, or to the Alzheimer’s Association online on Don’s tribute page at https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/donbrown/remembering-don. The family would like to thank their church community and all of their family and friends for their love and support.

         Condolence messages may be made online at www.waterspowellfh.com. Waters-Powell Funeral Home is serving the Brown family.

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