Spencer Guy Brown, Sr, 84, of Moscow, TN, passed away on April 11th, 2023 after a short illness at Baptist East Memorial Hospital. His earthly journey is over and he rests peacefully in the arms of Jesus.
Spencer, aka Shag, was born on May 27, 1938 to Andrew and Tynie Brown in Memphis, TN into a large family of brothers and sisters. He had 15 brothers and sisters, Elsie Brown, Delsie Brown, Helen Brown, and Clara (Sissy) Brown, Alfred Brown, Andy Brown, Billy Jean Brown, Glen Brown, Sonny Brown, Buck Brown, Frank Brown, Jimmy Brown, Jerry Brown, and Tommy Brown.
He served in the US Navy proudly upon the ship USS Floyd B. Parks from June 3, 1955 to June 2, 1963. He talked often about his time in the service fondly. He loved his country and was honored to be able to serve.
He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 35 years where he retired in 1998. He loved working for the railroad and was an avid collector of trains. He always had a smile on his face as he shared many stories about his years as a switchman to his grandchildren and friends.
He was raised as a Mason into O.K. Houck Lodge #707 on June 11, 1981. He was member of Unity Lodge #95, F&AM and was a 32° KCCH Mason. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies and served in the clown unit at Al Chymia Shrine for many years. He was also a Past Patron of Bartlett-O.K. Houck Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. He worked closely with the appendant bodies of the Masonic Orders and also the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, where his daughters were members, and Order of DeMolay, where he was inducted as an Honorary Member of the Legion of Honor.
Spencer was a devout Christian and lived his life to exemplify the love of Jesus. He was a faithful member of Central Church for over 25 years. He was known for his sweet spirit, infectious laugh, and his willingness to always lend a hand and be of service. He loved God, his country, his family, and always encouraged others to work hard and do what is right, even if it wasn't easy. He always strived to be a good role model to his children and grandchildren and all those he came in contact with. He was devoted husband to his wife Ruby and was always striving to show his deep love for her and the life they built.
Spencer loved his family. He was always on the road to rodeos, ballgames, recitals, wrestling meets and any other events to support his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He worked in concessions for many years where he met so many lifelong friends who fondly referred to him as Shag. He loved riding motorcycles and "piddling" around his farm and working outside. He loved to be around people and although he had a quiet spirit, he was a jokester and loved seeing others smile and laugh.
Spencer was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and all but one of his brothers, and a son, Spencer Brown Jr. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ruby Lea Brown and a brother, Jimmy Brown. He is survived by three daughters, Pam Stratton, Jennifer Brown, and Leslie Brown Elmore and two sons, Rusty Alexander and David Brown. He was very proud of each of his 8 grandchildren, Tammy Wilson, Eric Sappington, Kelsey Weeks, Joy Bridges, Spencer Elmore, Tyler Elmore, Cooper Elmore and Chase Elmore who fondly called him Pappaw. He also is survived by 6 great-grandchildren, Tayah Bridges, Caitlin Avelis, Jessica Avelis-Ace, Kayleigh Weeks, Joanna Weeks, and Sairys Greenhill. He has numerous nephews and nieces who he loved dearly. He was a family man who loved supporting each of his loved ones as much as possible and will be missed deeply by each one.
Services will be held at Collierville Funeral Home at 3863 Bailey Station Rd, Collierville, TN 38017 with visitation on Sunday, April 16th, 2023 from 6-8pm and funeral service Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 2pm with internment at Memory Gardens on Raleigh-LaGrange Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Childhood Cancer in honor of Dylan and his Dynamite Fight to beat Leukemia.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Brown family.
