Daniel Fordice Brown Jr.'s Obituary
Daniel Fordice Brown, Jr., 80, of Sevierville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at UT Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born on June 22, 1946, to Daniel Fordice Brown, Sr., and Bertha Lee Hicks Werngren. He attended Culpeper County High School and later joined the United States Navy. Proudly serving on the USS Harry E. Yarnell from 1963 to 1967. Immediately after his military service, he was employed by the Federal Reserve Bank. Upon relocating to Sevierville, Tennessee, in 2003, he transferred his employment with Home Depot to Maryville, Tennessee. He took great pride in his most recent role as an Information Specialist with Wyndham Worldwide at the Welcome Center in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Daniel’s life was rooted in service, community, and a deep love for the people around him.
He was a dedicated presence in agriculture and an active supporter of the 4-H community, where his commitment helped shape countless young people. His passion for youth development extended even further as he played a key role in starting the youth football organization in Culpeper, Virginia — a legacy that continues to benefit families today.
Daniel was never one to sit on the sidelines when there was work to be done. He drove the school bus, maintained the football field, and showed up wherever his community needed him. He touched people in more ways than can be counted, always with generosity, humor, and a steady willingness to help.
Friday nights found him cheering from the stadium stands, and weekends were often spent watching sports on television — a simple joy he never tired of. He also held a strong passion for gun rights and spent many hours carefully assembling ammunition, a craft he approached with patience and pride.
Daniel’s life was defined by dedication: to his community, to the young people he supported, and to the values he believed in. His impact will continue to be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Edwards (Sheads) Brown, one daughter, Deloris Anne Brown of Brandy Station, Virginia; two grandsons, Nathan Lee Berry of Sevierville, Tennessee, Tucker Phillip-Fordice Berry (Valiena Lee Darlene Berry) of Yucca Valley, California; one granddaughter, Cheyanne Alyssa-Hope Brown of Brandy Station, Virginia; one great-granddaughter, Mia Isabela Derrington of Yucca Valley, California; super-special friends Larry and Glenda Williams; several cousins, and friends worldwide.
Daniel is preceded in death by both parents and his only son, Donald Edward Brown of Brandy Station, Virginia, uncle Roy Brown (Julia) of Culpeper, Virginia; aunt Thelma Brown Hickman (Carl) of Staunton, Virginia; aunt Ellen Brown Hess of Bradenton, Florida; uncle Kenneth Brown of Florida; uncle Alfred “Al” Hicks (Jenny) of Colonial Beach, Virginia; uncle William Wesley “Bill” Hicks (Daisy) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; aunt Dorothy “Dot” Hicks Thomas (Bob) of Colonial Beach, Virginia; uncle Floyd “Manley” Hicks (Mae) of Culpeper, Virginia; aunt Christine Hicks Kirby (Eddie) of Arlington, Virginia; aunt Hester “Frances” Hicks Marsh (Bob) of Culpeper, Virginia; uncle Douglas Hicks (Sadie), of Arlington, Virginia; uncle Marion “Johnny” Hicks (Helen) of Lorton, Virginia; aunt Mary Elizabeth Hicks Morgan of Fredericksburg, Virginia; uncle James “Jimmy” Hicks (Ruth) of Texas; uncle Peter Wesley Hicks, Jr. (Grace) of Culpeper, Virginia; aunt Jean Hicks Walker (Russell); aunt Lanatta Cora Hicks of Lignum, Virginia.
The family will have a celebration of life on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Valley View Baptist Church in Wears Valley for family, friends, and members of the community that Daniel has touched in so many ways. There will also be a funeral held in his hometown of Culpeper, Virginia, at a later date, followed by full military honors at the National Cemetery in Culpeper, Virginia.
Legacy of a Veteran
-author unknown
You marched with courage, heart and pride,
Through distant lands, so far and wide.
You stood for peace, your duty true,
A silent hero, brave and new.
Through battles fought, through night and day,
You paved for us a safer way.
The flag you served now rests with grace,
In hearts you touched, you hold a place.
Now sleep, dear soldier, rest in light,
Your spirit shines through stars so bright.
Forever honored, brave and strong,
In grateful hearts, you will live on.
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