Ralph Brown, age 92, of Rockwood, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. He was born March 9, 1931 in Wrigley, Tennessee. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Rockwood where he also served as a Lifetime Deacon. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War and also a Veteran of the Tennessee Army National Guard. For many years Ralph along with his wife Mary, owned and operated Ralph’s Drive-In on Gateway Avenue and Brown’s Restaurant on Front Street in Rockwood. Following retirement, he also worked at Walmart in Rockwood for several years. Ralph was also a public servant, serving as a city councilman and vice mayor for the City of Rockwood, and on the Rockwood Electric Utility Board for 8 years. He loved his tractors and Corvettes, but most of all he loved his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Paul & Katie Brown; sisters: Earlene Weaver and Carlene Clem; and brother: Jim Brown.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years: Mary Heydel Brown; children: Tony D. Brown (Jeanie) of Kingston, Teresa “Sissy” Brown of Rockwood, Kathy Brown of Rockwood, and Susan Brown of Chattanooga; grandchildren: Carey Hixson of Rockwood, Jessica Knowlton of Fortson, Georgia, Justin Brown of Nashville, and Lindsey Spriggs of Plano, Texas; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 8, 2023, from noon until 2 p.m. at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral services will follow on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Evans Mortuary with Rev. Wade McCullough officiating. Committal services and interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood.

Evans Mortuary of Rockwood is serving the family.