Johnny Elwin Brown, 78, of Guntersville, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Born on May 31, 1945, to the late Elwin and Sheila Brown.
Johnny’s commitment to education was evident from his high school years at Albertville High School, where he graduated in 1963 with perfect attendance all four years. On September 17, 1965, he married Nell Sims, and together they shared 38 years of marriage until her passing on December 12, 2003.
His dedication extended beyond family life into a remarkable military career that spanned from 1965 to 2005. Johnny achieved the rank of Sergeant Major for the United States Army National Guard in 1996, receiving his certificate of promotion at Fort Bliss, Texas. Alongside his military service, he pursued higher education at Faulkner University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with Magna Cum Laude honors.
For over four decades, Johnny contributed his skills as a Network Operations Electronic Technician at AT&T before retiring on July 7, 2005. His leadership was not confined to the workplace, as he served as the past commander of the Guntersville VFW Chapter. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in raising $50,000 for local schools to initiate the STEM Program, showcasing his commitment to education.
Johnny’s passion for veterans’ causes was further demonstrated through his involvement in the Marshall County Veterans Park initiative. Elected as Secretary/Treasurer, he collaborated with various organizations to make meaningful contributions to the community, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of fellow veterans.
He is survived by his wife, Phylis, his son Dewayne Brown (Amanda), daughter Deanna Brown Langford (Scott), stepson Barry Bonds (Bonnie), and grandchildren Emily Brown Frazier (Bubba), Mallory Kist (John Hollis), Colin, McCormack, and Sophie Langford.
Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Sims Brown, his parents, Elwin and Sheila Brown, and his brothers Charles and David Brown.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Adams Brown Funeral Home in Albertville, AL. Friends are invited to pay their respects starting at 12:30 pm at the funeral home. A full military service will be conducted at the burial at Marshall Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers include Caleb Sims, Tim Sims, Barry Carroll, Mark Evans, Kevin Buchanan, and Tim Garrett, with Neal Sims as an honorary pallbearer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Veterans Park. Checks should be made payable to the City of Guntersville, with “Veterans Park” noted on the memo line, and mailed to 341 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976. Johnny’s legacy lives on through the impact he made on his community and the lives he touched throughout his distinguished life.
