James “Doug” Brown went home to be with his Lord and maker on February 5th 2025. There
He reunited with his loving wife of 65 years, Nila Brown. Doug was a Methodist minister in
the Holston Conference for over 60 years, serving a variety of churches across east
Tennessee and southern Virgina. He served the Lord with a gentle heart and a quick wit,
always having a silly joke to make people laugh or willing to lend a shoulder for comfort.
Doug was a teacher at heart and was always imparting some wisdom no matter if it was his
congregation or his daughters, who would beg for a spanking instead of a sermon when
they got in trouble. Doug was famous for his Donald duck voice, always entertaining his
grandchildren and great grandchildren with it. Doug was a man of resolute character who
stood by his convictions to share love with all those he encountered. He touched many
lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Doug is proceeded in death by his
wife Nila Brown; parents James and Lucille Brown; and his sister Claire Hayes. Doug is
survived by his three daughters: Akene (Kent) Settlemeyer, Nelle (Tom) Daniel, and Vileta
(Rick) Doane. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kyrie (Jason) Taylor, Kent (Porscha)
Settlemeyer, Kaley (Chad) Stouffer, Cody Buckner, Alex Daniel, Aaron Daniel, Natasha
(Johnny) Daniel, Austin Daniel, Alaina Daniel and Victoria Weir. He is also survived by many
great grandchildren and loving friends. We will always remember: “You’re a good man
Doug Brown!”
The celebration of life will be held at Washington Pike United Methodist Church (2241
Washington Pike, Knoxville TN 37917) on March 1st at 1pm for receiving of friends. The
celebration of life will immediately follow at 2pm with Pastor Jennifer Spieth officiating.
The family is asking that instead of flowers that memorial gifts may be given to Oak Grove
UMC (PO Box 672, Decatur, TN 37322), a church very dear to Doug’s heart. Kyker Funeral Home of Kingston is serving the Brown Family.