Robert "Bobby" Thomas Brown

The Man, The Myth, The Legend, Bobby Brown, 87, peacefully "Crossed the River" on June 25, 2024 at his home in Big Island, VA. Born August 11, 1936 in Lynchburg, VA, he was the only child of the late Robert Thomas (Tom) Brown and late Minnie Fifer Brown. He was married to his high school sweetheart, the late Myrene Ross Brown, for 63 years and remained dedicated to her throughout her 14-year battle with Alzheimer’s. In addition to his parents and wife, Bobby was preceded in death by his daughter Van B. Satterfield and son-in-law Carter C. Satterfield. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Brown Chellman; three grandchildren, Lydia Rose Chellman, Joyce A. Satterfield, and Jessie A. Satterfield, whom he considered to be his life’s greatest blessings, and his adopted dog, Cooper. 

Bobby was drafted in to the U.S. Army and served his country for 4 years. Although he was proud to have done so, he often said it was the first and the last place that he would ever "hurry up and wait". After returning to Big Island, he went to work for Owens Illinois (Georgia Pacific) paper mill where he retired after 44 years as an electrician. He was proud to be a Freemason, a lifetime member of the Big Island Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of Big Island Baptist Church. Bobby was a fervent member of the Big Island Hunt Club and loved the bear hunts and "listening to the dogs run". At the age of 12, Bobby’s mother taught him to play the guitar and he quickly developed a passion for bluegrass music. He would later join the James River Five, remembered by many for their Saturday night performances at the New London square dance. With his distinctive tenor voice, he loved to sing his favorite song “Ruby, Are You Mad?”, loud and proud. Not being a huge fan of bluegrass, Myrene particularly despised this song and the answer was always "YES, she was mad!" which Bobby found hilarious and purposefully performed it at every event she attended. He and Myrene loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and several different countries. They especially enjoyed their two road trips to Alaska and their camping trips with their girls. 

Bobby’s Celebration of Life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday June 29, at Big Island Baptist Church, Big Island, VA, with the Reverends Ian Minielly and Larry Ross officiating. Visitors will be received in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the start of the service. Anyone who knew Bobby was touched by his kindness, his mild temperament, his sense of humor, and his quirky sayings and idioms. If you were lucky, you even had a “Bobby issued” nickname. The family requests that you reflect on some of your favorite memories and "Bobbyisms" and if you feel comfortable, share them during the celebration or if not, write them down for the family to read at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Big Island Baptist Church, Big Island Volunteer Fire Department, or Big Island Helping Hands. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.