Thomas Lewis Brown

Thomas Lewis Brown, age 94, died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 17, 2011 in Murphy, North Carolina. He was a native of Blacksburg, South Carolina born on Sunday, January 14, 1917 to the late George Lewis and Mary Jane Gelzner Brown. He was a retired ship fitter from the Charleston Naval Shipyard. He and his wife of over 68 years, Mary Elizabeth Grooms Brown enjoyed traveling and he loved to fish. Following the passing of his wife in 2006, he moved to Murphy from Rockwall, Texas to be closer to his son and family. He was always active in his church and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Brown was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.

Mr. Brown is survived by one son, Thomas L. Brown, Jr. and wife Donna of Murphy, NC; one daughter, Elizabeth Ann LaBarre and husband Norman of Duncanville, Texas; eight grandchildren, Donnie Brown, Dewayne Brown, David Brown, Melody Brown, Lori Abernathy, Melissa Taylor and husband Bobby, Thad LaBarre and wife Patty and Deanna Hannah; and twelve great-grandchildren.