Jack Russell Brown

Jack Russell Brown of Granville died early Wednesday morning, May 31, 2023. In his 88 years, he lived a full life and leaves behind a rich legacy – namely his role as patriarch of the Brown clan.

Jack was born on October 13, 1934 at his parent’s home up a deep hollow off of Flynn’s Creek. His home was previously land settled by his great, great, great grandfather, Thomas Brown, and Jack himself chose to put deep roots nearby. Though he did move a few times in his life, it was never more than three miles as the crow flies from the home of his youth. He married the love of his life, Betty Allen, after his graduation from Jackson County High School. They settled across the ridge on Dry Fork where they raised their family. He farmed that steep, rocky, hillside farm his entire lifetime, logged into his mid-80’s, and was still raising cattle when he died. Jack was proud that his farm had been in the Brown family for well over a century, and he lived to see the land he loved receive the honor of being designated a Century Farm.

As a younger man, Jack enjoyed listening to his foxhounds with buddies and hunting ginseng. He was known for raising and breaking mules - and then for raising and breaking his six boys and pampering Angela, his only daughter. He loved hard work and instilled that work ethic into his children.

Jack was an avid reader and especially loved western novels. He was not a big talker, but his words were always thoughtful and deliberate. A man of deep faith, Jack served as an elder for over 50 years at the Forks of the Creek Church of Christ and later at the Flynn’s Creek Church of Christ. His life was centered around the church, and he took great pride in seeing his children follow his legacy of faith.

Although his wife, Betty, preceded him in death last June, “Jack ‘n Betty” were blessed to have a long marriage of 66 years. Together they raised six sons: Russell (Evelyn) Brown of Lafayette; Randy (Kim) Brown of Crossville; Tim (Tammie) Brown of Gainesboro, Tom (Debbie) Brown of Ethridge, TN; Sam (Marcia) Brown of Sparta; Alan (Emily) Brown of Gainesboro; and a daughter, Angela (Jeff) Mathis of Nashville. He was “Pa Jack” to his 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Brown, sisters Barbara Allen and Becky Brown, daughter-in-law, Martha Keith Brown, and several infant siblings who died at birth.

Psalm 121:1 says “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Although Jack has now left the hills of his youth, the land that he loved, and the family that carries his legacy, his family feels great comfort in knowing that, in the words of King David, his feet are now standing on greater heights (Psalm 18:33).

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10 am in the Chapel of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Brown Family Cemetery on Dry Fork Rd.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 2, 2023 4-7 pm and Saturday, 9 am to service time at 10am.

Bro. Mike Fox and Bro. Jimmy Anderson will officiate the service. Memorial donations may be made to Brown Family Cemetery or Allen Cemetery by contacting the funeral home.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 931-268-1550