George W. Brown, age 78, of Harriman, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge on March 3, 2026, surrounded by his family after a short battle with dementia.
George was born in Harriman Hospital on December 13, 1947, and grew up in Harriman. He attended Harriman High School (class of 1965), where he was a member of the “Rhapsody in Blue” band and an Eagle Scout, before attending Maryville College (class of 1969), where he earned a degree in chemistry.
After graduation, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1969-1974, and visiting many countries, including Brazil, Cuba, Pakistan, Iran, India, the Seychelles, and others. Upon his discharge, he returned to Harriman, where he married Patricia Norris in 1975 and began working as a State Farm agent, a career he continued until his retirement in 2018. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harriman, a supporter of the Boy Scouts, and a longtime member of the Harriman Rotary Club.
George was a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, the Cincinnati Reds, Tom Clancy novels, the Beach Boys, the Moody Blues, and true crime documentaries. An impressive athlete, he enjoyed hiking, running, and cycling, and competed in marathons, biathlons, and triathlons, and continued to compete in 5k races well into his seventies. Above all, he valued his family, especially his grandson, Ian.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Milburn Sr. and Ruth Barb Brown; and brother-in-law, David Norris.
Survivors include his wife of fifty years, Patricia Norris Brown of Harriman; son and daughter-in-law John and Maggy Brown, and grandson Ian, all of Oak Ridge; brother, Thomas Milburn, Jr., and wife Susan Brown, of Des Moines, Iowa; sister, Betty and husband Jim Whitney, of New Haven, Connecticut; sister, Mary Margaret Johnson, of Summerfield, Florida; brother-in-law Donnie and wife Yvonne Norris, of Oakdale; and lifelong friend William Cole, of Warrior, Alabama; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends at Kyker Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 6, 2026. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Hariman on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., with internment to follow at the Harriman Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Roane State Community College Foundation.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staffs of Roane Medical Center and Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, as well as to the staff of the Greenbrier unit of the Rocky Top Care Center for going above and beyond in their care for George and his family.
Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Brown Family.