Dennis Barden Brown

Dennis Barden Brown, of Irmo, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at the Life Care Center of Columbia, SC, following a courageous and grace-filled battle with dementia. He was born on May 29, 1949, in Johnston County, North Carolina, to the late Johnnie B. Brown and Annie Pearl Thompson Brown of Smithfield, NC.

Dennis was a proud graduate of Wilson Mills High School and Pembroke State College. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and genuine kindness toward others.

He is survived by his loving children, Summer Labrecque (Michael) and Derren Brown; his cherished grandchildren, Andrew Barone, Leighton Labrecque, Lilith “Lily” Labrecque, and Delilah Labrecque; and his siblings, Gloria Creech, Angela Olive, Craig Olive, James “Tip” Olive, Martin “Fuzzy” Olive, and Terry Ann Nichols.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Brenda Dixon, and his brothers, Wayne, Danny, and Jerry Brown, Bill Olive, and Ronnie Olive; and his sisters, Betty Olive, Ellis Carrol, and Cathy Daniels.

Dennis spent the majority of his career in the automotive industry, devoting 25 years to owning and operating his own Exxon gas station before later retiring from Pope-Davis. Known affectionately as “Doc,” he was deeply admired by his customers and friends for his honesty, loyalty, and cheerful, welcoming spirit.

An avid golfer and devoted fan of NC State and the Carolina Panthers, Dennis took great joy in sharing his love of sports with his son. Above all, he was a devoted grandfather who treasured time spent with his grandchildren. His appreciation for the outdoors was evident in his passion for gardening and hunting, and he was a proud member and President of the Deer Skinners Hunt Club.

Dennis was a faithful and active member of Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church and had a deep love for the Lord. As dementia gradually limited his ability to participate in many of the activities he once enjoyed, his faith remained steadfast. Church was the one constant he held onto the longest, a testament to the strength of his belief and devotion.

Dennis was deeply loved by many and will be fondly remembered for his warmth, character, and faith. While he will be greatly missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now restored, at peace, and reunited with his Heavenly Father.

A celebration of life service will be held for Dennis on Friday, January 9 2026 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church located at 6952 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212 beginning at 7pm. Dennis’s burial service will be in the Brown Family Cemetery in Selma, North Carolina at a later date.

Dennis’s family wants to thank all those who helped and supported Dennis during this difficult time and a special thank you to his caregivers and the staff at Three Oaks Hospice who provided gentle and loving care.