Welborn Lewis Brown

Welborn Lewis Brown, Jr., 89, of Hoschton, Georgia, went home to be with Jesus on May 24, 2026. He was born in Cartersville, Georgia, on September 12, 1936, to Welborn Lewis Brown, Sr. and Louise Carnes Brown. He (along with his two sisters) was raised on the historic Brown farm where he developed a firm faith, an honest character, a strong work ethic, a lifelong love of animals, and a penchant for gardening. Throughout his life, he loved to grow vegetables and flowers so he could give them away to others as an expression of love and care. 
He graduated from the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, in 1955, where he excelled in many activities but especially in athletics. He played numerous sports but truly loved playing football. A stand-out Defensive Tackle for Darlington, he was selected for the All-South football team and was recruited by several collegiate football programs. Though he chose not to play college ball, football remained a key interest in his life.  He served as a football referee for the Georgia High School Association in the 1970’s and 80’s and was a life-long, unwavering fan of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 
Lewis earned his degree in Industrial Management from The Georgia Institute of Technology in 1960, an accomplishment that would not have been possible without the love and support of his dear wife, Fannie Padgett Brown, who walked alongside him every step of the way. 
His career began with the Standard Oil Company, but he spent most of his career in sales and marketing with the Masonite Corporation, where he won numerous awards as top salesman in the company. He retired from International Paper in 2007.
Lewis loved golf, boats, football, hunting, fishing, driving, working in his garden, cowboy movies, the beach, ice cream, toe-tappin’ music, and pretty much anything sweet.  But, the things Lewis cherished most in this life were his faith in Jesus Christ and his family. He served as an ordained Baptist deacon for over 40 years, first at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, and then at Christ Place Church in Oakwood, Georgia. 

Lewis never met  a stranger, and he had a gift for making everyone feel welcome no matter the circumstance. He employed this gift generously as part of his ministry at church and in the community. He had the heart of a servant, and he was known for his warm personality and generosity in helping others, especially those in need. 

The life and legacy of W. Lewis Brown Jr. will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. 
Lewis is survived by his wife of 72 years, Fannie Padgett Brown, who was the love of his life; his beloved only daughter Sherri Gay Brown Breunig who was his pride and joy; his son-in-law, Michael Joseph Breunig, who was the son he always wanted; sister Debbye Brown Blalock (Gary); brother-in-law Bill Britton Sr.; nephews Jason Blalock, Jeremy Blalock (Donna), Bill Britton, Jr., Bob Britton (Sue), Stan Padgett and Ken Padgett; nieces Catharine Carroll (Eric) and Jennifer Britton Zbinden (Alexander); two great-goddaughters Tori Zbinden Day (Matt) and Elizabeth Zbinden (Calvin), and his sweet cat Barney.  
He is preceded in death by his parents Welborn Lewis Brown, Sr. and Louise Carnes Brown; sister Penelope “Penny” Brown Bryan; parents-in-law Willliam Paul Padgett and Nellie Cain Padgett;  sisters-in-law Thelma Padgett Smith (Pete), Sara Padgett Williams (J.C.), Mary Nell Padgett Britton; brother-in-law Paul Padgett Jr.(Egie); nephews Jeffrey Blalock, Michael Carroll, Joseph Britton, Paul Padgett III, and Clinton Willliams; and his cats Fluffy, Jetta, Zach, Jessie, Morgan, and Jackson.   
A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Place Church, with Rev. Jeff Crook officiating. 
The family requests that memorial gifts be made to: 
Christ Place Church 
3428 Atlanta Hwy, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
(gifts will be directed to their Benevolence Fund)

Memorial Park Braselton Funeral Home, 5257 Hwy 53, Braselton, GA 30517, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at Memorial Park Funeral Homes

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