Charles Edward “Charlie” Brown, age 72, passed away from an extended illness in Greenville, KY on November 1, 2023. A native of Smithville, TN, Charlie was born on November 3, 1950, in Lebanon, TN.
A natural showman, Charlie sang for and entertained family and friends from an early age which would continue throughout his life. He was always humming a tune, drumming the dashboard, or captivating the crowd with a story. Through encouragement from his uncle, LM Murphy, Charlie discovered his passion for showing horses, and upon graduating from DeKalb County High School in 1968, that passion became a lifetime calling that would lead him to stables in Arkansas and Alabama before he ultimately settled in Kentucky. After a career spanning over 50 years, where he earned countless blue ribbons and top honors from industry organizations, Charlie became a well-respected show judge due to his exceptional skills as a horse trainer. Described as an icon in the horse industry, his legacy will live on through the many riders and fellow trainers he mentored.
Charlie is survived by his uncle, L.M. Murphy of Mt Juliet, TN and Jerry Brown of Smithville, TN; stepmother, Jeanette Brown of The Woodlands, TX; brother, Jeff Brown of Gainesville, GA; stepsister, Marcy York-Oznick of The Woodlands, TX; son, Bryon Brown of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Brandy Mathis (Patrick) of Greenville; sons, Shane Johnson of Boaz, AL and Cory Garrard (Kenna) of Lawton, OK; grandchildren, Dakota Bowlds (Paige), Kaelin McElvain (Christian Daugherty), Hunter Mathis, Kaedence Garrard, Kennady Garrard, Chandler Johnson (Damon Strawn), Conlee Johnson and Henlee Johnson; great-grandsons, Joseph, Greyson, and Jaxon.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Floyd Leon Brown, Jr. and Jean Murphy Brown of Smithville, TN; brother David Brown; stepsister Missy Klimas.
A visitation was held on Monday, November 6 at Tucker Funeral Home, Central City. Funeral services followed with Bro. Cory Garrard officiating. Burial at Nebo Cemetery, immediately followed the service.
Expressions of Sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Charles “Charlie” Edward Brown Memorial Fund, c/o Tucker Funeral Home, PO Box 548, Central City, KY 42330.
The Scoop sends our warmest condolences to the Brown Family.