David Nelson Brown, 85, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on April 12, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on November 16, 1939, to James and Isabelle Brown of Birmingham, Alabama.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The New Room at Holmes Street United Methodist Church followed by a celebration of life service at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Services will be officiated by the Reverend Miriam Smith and the Reverend Eddie Johnson.
A 1958 graduate of Ensley High School, Dave pursued higher education at Auburn University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he and his wife, Carolyn, moved to Huntsville as part of the Space Program. He worked for Teledyne Brown Engineering until he was hired by the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1972. He furthered his education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, obtaining a master’s degree in administrative science. Dave had a long and fulfilling career at the University of Alabama in Huntsville as the Associate Vice President of Facilities and Operations until his retirement in 2003.
Dave was truly an amazing son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was steady, kind, and full of quiet strength. He led with love and patience, teaching by example and was a source of endless stories, laughter, and life lessons. His legacy isn’t just in what he’s done but, in the values, he’s passed down and the deep love he’s woven into the fabric of his family. There was nothing Dave enjoyed more than having family together. A trip to the beach, a family cruise, or a simple family meal together. Anything that involved having his family together was the highlight of his life.
Dave served his church, Holmes Street United Methodist, as Chair of the Trustees and part of the church council, offering knowledge and expertise on the upkeep and functioning of the building. He was active in the life and the community of the church and will be dearly missed by his church family.
Dave was also an avid tennis player, making lifelong friends and continuing to play weekly until a few short months ago. Dave loved Auburn University and was a season football ticket holder for 62 years. The memories he shared with his sons, daughter and grandchildren attending Auburn football games are ones that will be cherished forever.
Dave made a lasting impression on all that crossed his path with his kindness, respect and caring ways, from the tennis court, UAH athletic center, UAH sporting events, church, or his involvement in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives and activities.
Dave is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Jones Brown; his children, Mark Nelson Brown (Andrea) and Sharon Leigh Brown; sister, Ruth Ann Bowers (Willard); grandchildren, Mary Margaret Lankford (Boyd), Cameron Brown (Sami Crase), Taylor Muir (Emily), Lawson Muir (Briana Irwin) and Conner Simmons; and great-grandchildren, Mary Harmon Lankford, William Bryant Lankford, Henry Coleman Lankford, Judson Thomas Lankford, and Anastasia Hart Lankford. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Findlay Brown and Isabelle Miles Brown, and his son, James Allan Brown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holmes Street United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.
