Joshua Levi Brown, affectionately known as “Biggie,” made his grand entrance into the world on October 2, 1975, weighing in at 5lbs, 6oz. Days later, he began growing and didn’t stop until he was the size of two men. During his childhood, Josh loved baseball, riding bikes with his Concord gang, and had a particular dislike for piano lessons and vegetables – especially rutabagas and squash. He developed a lifelong fear of being dangled upside down by his feet over bridges (IYKYK), so he claimed he started eating until he reached the size of three men.
Before the 6th grade dance, Josh sent two beautiful long-stemmed red roses to Chandra Beres, the girl who would later become his wife. Chandra was his first and last love. He graduated from Pike County High in 1994 and attended Gordon College before enlisting in the United States Army. While enlisted, Josh was stationed in Germany and deployed to Bosnia, where he forged unbreakable bonds with his brothers-in-arms, Mac, Shoals, and Walt, known collectively as the “Four Horsemen.”
In 2000, Josh welcomed a son, Ashton MacKenzie Brown, and in 2012, a daughter, Emmaleigh Grace Brown.
Josh leaves behind a tribe of loved ones who will forever cherish his memory, including his lovely and devoted wife, Chandra Brown, who was not just the love of his life but also his best friend and greatest supporter; his parents, Virgil and Sallie Brown, Jeff and Ginny Howard; his children and step-children, Ashton Brown, Emma Brown, Emma Brisendine, Audrey Brisendine, Ansley Brisendine, Catie Brown, and Cameron Hadley (Jamie); his two scrappy sisters (thankfully he was docile) Tonya Klemons (Leo) and Abbie Brown (Corbette); step-siblings Heidi Pritchett and Hal Caraway; and many other friends and family who loved him. Meeting him at the Pearly Gates are his grandparents Edna “Ma” and Edgar “Dane” Raven, Margaret “Grandma” and Early “Paw” Brown, Evelyn “Mamaw” and John “Papaw” Howard.
After serving as a diesel mechanic in the United States Army, Josh continued working with heavy machinery in civilian life, most recently as a correctional officer and heavy-equipment operator for Spalding County.
Josh was a man of simple pleasures – he loved to have a drink in his hand and his toes in the sand. His passion was playing golf with his “Misfits.” He was a music aficionado, remarkably good at trivia, and a culinary master in the kitchen and on the grill. Josh embodied a rebel spirit—often quiet, but always present. His sense of humor often kept him out of trouble, whether with his parents, his wife, or the police. Throughout his life, Josh always rolled with the punches; his glass-half-full attitude remained even after his cancer diagnosis. He continued bringing joy and laughter to those around him until the very end.
Josh was baptized at Concord Baptist Church as a young child and rededicated his life in 2022. He lived out his faith by offering love, support, and encouragement to everyone he encountered. His life was a testament to his belief in the power of kindness and compassion, consistently demonstrating these values in his relationships and daily interactions.
Rather than stick around to embarrass rival team “Don’t Touch Me” at trivia, or endure another one of his mom’s surprise swimsuit calendars, or eat one more of her tomato soup cakes, Josh tee’d off his homeward journey at 5 P.M. on August 14, 2024. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…
A celebration of Josh’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Kitchens officiating.
A visitation will be held on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the funeral home.
Moody-Daniel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.