Bobby Brown

Robert “Bobby” Edward Brown, age 83, went to his eternal home on Thursday at Manor Care of Pinehurst after a four-year battle with dementia.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Steen) Brown; a sister, Johnsie (Brown) Stogner, two brothers, Paul Brown, Jr., and Tyree Brown. He is survived by two daughters and their spouses; Barbara Reinbott and her husband, Bill, and Wendy Rostan and her husband, Steve. He also leaves behind five beautiful granddaughters: Olivia Webb, Jenna Webb, Holly Webb, Carrie Reinbott and Meredith Reinbott. They all brought him great comfort and joy in his later years. In addition, Mr. Brown is survived by two brothers, E. W. Brown and Keith Brown and one sister; Sue (Brown) Massagee, and many other close family and friends.

After graduating high school, Mr. Brown enlisted in the United States Navy on Sept. 16, 1944 during World War II. He proudly served until Jan. 31, 1946 when he was honorably discharged after contracting rheumatic fever.

Bobby Brown was a small business entrepreneur. Beginning in the late 50’s until the early 1970’s , he successfully managed the infamous Hub Grill in east Hamlet. However, the advent of fast food chains led to the demise of the grill, after which, he and his family owned and operated a catering business. Later he and his family owned and operated two small convenient markets. With a career shift, Bobby spent the last 10 years of his work career with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Brown was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church of Hamlet and the Potter’s Sunday School Class. Also, he served as a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program. He enjoyed working in his yard and fellowshipping with his buddies at Birmingham Drug Store’s “coffee club.” Above all, he loved the time spent with his family and friends. He was a very loving and humble man who enjoyed making people smile. His wish today would be that we would all spread more love and smiles in this world.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church in Hamlet with Rev. Chris Hawks officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service; from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the church

Memorial contributions may be made to The Second Baptist Church School Building Fund: 718 Fourth St., Hamlet, NC 28345.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home of Hamlet is serving the family.