Walter Ray Brown, Sr., 70, died unexpectedly at Mount Carmel East Hospital on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.  He was born November 3, 1951, in Radford, VA and was the son of the late McLawrence and Carrie Lewis Brown. His Maternal grandparents were the late Walter Henry and Lillie Harrison Lewis and his Paternal grandparents were George Ray (Kenny) and Maria Randolph Brown all of Radford, VA.  Walter was a Radford High School Bobcat who excelled in football (Kicker and Right Tackle) and track.  He was on the NR District Championship football teams in back-to-back wins in 1969 and 1970.  He received a State Championship Medallion in 1970.  Walter attended Morristown College in Tennessee and after a brief return to Radford, made his home with his wife and children in Columbus, OH.  He was a member of First Baptist Church and Church of God in Christ while growing up and living in Radford, VA.  He attended Faith Tabernacle Church of God and Christ, then later became a member of World Harvest Church after relocating to Ohio.

Walter's career expanded over 30 years with Columbus Asphalt Paving before his retirement. Walter enjoyed many hobbies including: Spending time with his family, joking around with his grandchildren, Bible reading and studies, and watching football, "go Buckeyes and Colts."   He enjoyed gardening and had a green thumb with his many vegetables.  Walter loved working outside in his yard and drinking coffee on his deck overlooking the pond.  He was a collector of family recipes and one of his favorite recipes was his mom's Oatmeal Cake.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Frances Reed Brown; son, Walter Ray Brown, Jr.; daughter, Michelle (Davin) Brown Turner; Grandchildren; Xzayvier Brown-Anderson, Michijah Brown-Anderson, Ahmya Assude-Brown, JaNessa Assude-Brown, and Justin May, all of OH.    He also leaves two brothers, Rev. Wallis M. (Carolyn) Brown of Pulaski, VA; Rev. Douglas L. (Theronette) Brown of Yorktown, VA and sister, Doris Brown (Henley) Dobbins, Radford, VA.; 3 aunts and a large host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at World Harvest Church, 4595 Gender Road, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.  The Family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. and service will begin at 12:00 p.m.  Interment will be at Glen Rest Memorial Estates, 8029 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.

We little knew the day that

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you

But you didn't go alone.

For Part of us sent with you

The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories.

Your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.