Carl and Elizabeth Brown

Carl was a fun, supportive, and doting husband, dad, grand-daddy, father-in-law, brother, and uncle. He loved spending as much time as possible with family and friends, whether it was having family breakfast cookouts on the carport, playing golf with his Lake Chatuge buddies, or simply going for a drive and a picnic.

He found great joy in cutting grass at home and at his sister’s on the tractor, helping his son-in-law split wood, and even picking up a family’s shopping tab at Christmas. Some of his happiest times were spent on softball fields, vacationing with his brothers, nephews, and friends, and making weekend visits with his sisters. He also cherished his hunting trips to Wyoming, where he created lasting memories in the great outdoors. He especially loved going to Cades Cove and camping for many years with his bride, Betty, of more than six decades, as well as taking her on Harley rides on his trike.

At 14, Carl started working for Mr. Pike at his nursery in Smyrna. When Mr. Pike asked him to drive across Atlanta to make deliveries in the truck, Carl told him he couldn’t because he wasn’t old enough to drive. Mr. Pike responded, “Well, don't get stopped, and if you do, just tell them you’re working for me and give me a call.” He also worked at Storyland in Smyrna, where he delighted in sometimes being the train engineer and eating all the hotdogs he could. Later, he worked at local hardware stores and eventually retired from Genuine Hardware in Atlanta.

Carl was a lifetime member of Wilson Memorial Baptist Church in Oakdale, where his faith and sense of community remained an important part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Killingsworth Brown; mother, Dorothy Kemp Brown; father, Columbus Brown; brothers, Marvin “Charlie” and David Brown; sister, Sarah “Polly” Wallace; and best friend, Andy Andrews.

Carl is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carla and James Millwood; his grandson, Clinton Millwood, and his wife, Annie; his granddaughter, Lenlie Millwood; brother, Don Brown (Linda); sisters, Jerry Brown Schwartz and Colleen Cartee; and many close nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will welcome visitors on Thursday, April 3, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. while enjoying the Varsity food truck, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Georgia Memorial Park/Winkenhofer Chapel in Marietta with Pastor Eric Davenport officiating