William Brown

William Smith Brown, 81, of 118 Calhoun Avenue, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born December 6, 1927, in Spartanburg, SC, he was the son of the late Roy Wilkins and Clarice Smith Brown. A 1945 graduate of Spartanburg High School and a 1952 graduate of Clemson University, he was retired from Alkahn Woven Labels as Director of Sales for the Southeast. While at Clemson, he was President of the Central Dance Association and President of Blue Key National Honor Society. He was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg where he served as a Deacon, an active leader and director in the College Department for many years, former Sunday School teacher, and Chairman of the Stewardship Campaign. He was a current member of the First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg where he was active as an Usher, a Stephen Minister, and served on various committees. He was a member of the Executive Sertoma Club of Spartanburg. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served in Japan under General Douglas McArthur. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he especially enjoyed his summer vacations with all of his family at Fripp Island. He had a special love for music and had many favorite hymns. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara Easterly Brown; four sons, Robert William Brown and his wife Mimi of Roswell, GA, Thomas Gary Brown and his wife Heath of Sumter, Cameron Glenn Brown and his wife Julie of Spartanburg, and Roderick Smith Brown and his wife Kristen of Pawley's Island; ten grandchildren, William Collins Brown, Grier Easterly Brown, Mary Heath Brown, Wilkins Smith Brown, Ellen Wimberly Brown, Scott Robert Brown, Brandon Easterly Brown, Cameron Littlejohn Brown, Logan Elizabeth Ann Brown, and Peyton Smith Brown; a brother, Cecil Rigby Brown, Sr. and his wife Barbara of Spartanburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Roy Wilkins Brown, Jr.; and two sisters, Esther Brown Brawley and Catherine Brown Abrams. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church conducted by the Rev. Dr. David A. Renwick, the Rev. Dr. Kirk H. Neely, and the Rev. Robert C. Morgan. The family will receive friends following the service in the Church Parlor. A private committal service will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be William Collins Brown, Wilkins Smith Brown, Grier Easterly Brown, Cameron Littlejohn Brown, Cecil Rigby Brown, Jr., John William Brown, Scott Robert Brown, and Peyton Smith Brown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. The family is at the home. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Smith Brown please visit our Sympathy Store.