Don J. Brown, Sr.

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, Don J. Brown, Sr., 94, crossed the finish line and ran into the arms of his Lord and Savor Jesus Christ. He was reunited with his loving wife of 70 years, Joanne, who preceded him in death in 2018.

Don was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 18, 1931, to the late John Sullivan Brown and Lelia Mae Harward. Don began singing in the choir at age 12 at Central United Methodist Church. He continued singing in the chancel choirs at Central and Dilworth Church using that deep bass voice of his to sing to the glory of God as long as he was able, close to 80 years. In 1957, “Brown”, as he was called in the business, along with his partner, started Campbell-Brown, a truck parts and equipment business. After 40 years, Don retired. Throughout those 40 years, even though he was part owner he always considered himself a salesman, a salesman who cared about his customers. When someone came into the store, he was always the first one to greet and welcome them.  Even though it is hard to live up to his gift of loving people we continue to strive for these qualities to this day. Don was a loving, encouraging and avid supporter of anything his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren were involved in whether it was their sports, their music, academics or career. He loved to hear all about what was going on in their lives.

Don is survived by his three loving children, Donna B Belk (Tommy), Donnie J Brown, Jr. (Gale), and John M Brown (Jackie); his eight loving grandchildren, Donnie H Belk (Shannon), TJ Belk (Kym), Erin B Burnette (Jeff), Joanne “Jodi” B Hinkson (Paul), Stacy Brown (Giles Barker), Caroline Belk, Amanda Brown, Caylee Brown, his seven wonderful great grandchildren, Henderson Belk (Sara), Everett Belk, Charlie Hinkson, Knox Hinkson, Olivia Belk, Parker Burnette, Oliver Brown and his two precious great great-grandchildren, Brooks and Hudson.

Don spread joy to others throughout his entire life and on Friday, July 18, 2025, family and friends will gather at 3:00 p.m. at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28203 to celebrate and give thanks for that life of joy.

A reception will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dilworth United Methodist Church, Aldersgate United Methodist Retirement Community Inc., 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28215, or Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Aldersgate. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all at Aldersgate who loved him so well. Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service; please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.