Freddy Thomas Brown, 98, Buddy to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Hospice Haven surrounded by his family.
He was born on Nov. 30, 1926 to the late Fred Hill and Annie Newell Brown in Harnett County.
At the age of 17, Buddy enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served in the Mediterranean during World War II. At the end of the war in Europe, he trained recruits in firefighting at the Norfolk, Virginia, firefighting school.
After moving to Rockingham, he was a fireman on Fort Bragg while he started Brown Lumber Company. He was an active member of the Rockingham Lions Club for 55 years and a charter member of Crestview Baptist Church.
Budy was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Allen Brown, and his second wife, Arminta Minshew Brown; his parents and five of his siblings — Gladys, Hazel, Mattie Lee, Ralph and Thurman.
He is survived by his children, Debra Brown Wallace (Cameron) of Charlotte, Fredrick Brown (Stephen Reese) of Charlotte, Terri Brown of Rockingham and Tim Brown (Debra Lee) of New Bern; his grandchildren, Martha Kinney (Matt) of Charlotte, McCrea Wallace (Sarah) of Raleigh, Fred Brown (Megan) of Adams Creek and Myra Litt (Bobby) of Aydlett; his great-grandchildren, Liam and Lara Kinney, Anna Blake and McCrea Wallace; his older sister, Louise Green of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the amazing staff of Richmond County Hospice who not only cared for Buddy but were also attentive to the family as they made this journey, and to Classie Brewington for her loving care of loving care of Buddy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Crestview Baptist Church on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. followed by a graveside service and interment at Richmond County Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 6-8 p.m.; and other times at the home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Highway 1, Rockingham, NC 28379; or to Crestview Baptist Church, 436 Crestview Drive, Rockingham, NC 28379.
