Russell Brown

Russell Dean Brown, of Forney, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 4, 1939 in Apache, Oklahoma to his loving parents, Howard and Amanda Brown, both of whom met him in Heaven along with his premature infant twins, and his sister, Zetta Griffith. Russell attended Broxton high school where he was an accomplished athlete in various sports, especially playing baseball. Left field was his position and his powerful arm helped his team win the Oklahoma State Championship in 1957 and 1958. After graduating in 1958, Russell then attended Boys State in Norman, OK where he finished his education. For most of his young life, he grew up on a farm learning important life skills via chores and the many farm duties including milking cows, taking care of the other livestock and driving tractors to keep the pastures and farmland around working properly. Russell was a veteran of the US Army having served with distinction and honorably discharged in 1965 attaining E-5 designation with secret clearance. After basic training in Ft. Polk, LA and Ft. Gordon, GA, Russell became an expert marksman in rifle detail/training and he was also trained in field communications with emphasis on morse code, teletype and other networking programs, each of which safeguarded infantry and tactical communications during his year of service in Korea. He met and married the love of his life, Bettie, and they owned Rabbit Hut Embroidery for many years, serving the community with personalization and custom designs. He was a man who loved to relax at home with Bettie and watch Nascar and just enjoy the life they were blessed to have. He also was known to play small pranks on other family and friends and many who knew him were targets of a well placed watermelon rind under a tire! Russell always had a firm handshake for meeting folks and a welcoming personality that made you an instant friend after that handshake. The smile that he always had was a constant sign of Russell’s friendliness and kindness. A great man whose actions always spoke of his integrity and generosity, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Russell is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bettie Brown of Forney; sons: Eric Brown and Tim Brown, of Lewisville; brothers: Jimmy Brown and wife Linda of Pecos, TX, Roy Brown and wife Linda of Plano; sisters: Marcy O’Malley of Lawton, OK and Sandra Miller Anadarko, OK, along with dearest and special friends, James and Cindy Hubbs of Forney, nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday August 22, 2024 in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Forney 1003 College Forney, Tx 75126 with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Private interment will follow at Ego Cemetery in Coleman, Oklahoma.

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Russell Brown

November 4, 1939 - August 19, 2024