Gregory Dale Brown Sr.

Greg was born on December 15, 1947 to Margaret Brown. Greg’s start in life was not easy as he was born with clubfoot and required several surgeries during his infancy. That did not hinder Greg from having a full and rich life.

Greg graduated from Hopkins High School in 1966, where he played football and baseball during his high school years. He was very good at baseball and was being looked at by minor league teams until he hurt his left knee. He met Linda Celaine Johnston, from Kenowa Hills, after graduating high school. Greg and Linda got married September 30, 1967 and shared almost 59 years together. Greg was a hard worker and a good provider for his family. His mother and stepfather, Clare Frost, taught him a good work ethic, which Greg passed on to his two boys.

Greg enjoyed the outdoors and spent many years doing two of his favorite things, hunting and fishing. He spent many hours in the woods not only hunting, but enjoying all that nature provided. Greg fished for many years, especially enjoying ice fishing.

Greg became known by neighbors and people in Monterrey, Hopkins and Wayland as Farmer Brown. His new hobby of planting a huge garden every spring was very rewarding to him. Greg planted gladiolus bulbs and grew a beautiful assortment every year. He truly acquired his Grandma Brown’s green thumb in being able to grow many things.

No matter what the occasion, Greg always had a joke to tell. In his later years, Greg and Linda would often go to his brother’s house to have dinner and play board games. Bruce claims Greg was always trying to cheat at the board games!

Greg is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Gregory Jr. (Kristin); grandchildren Keeghan (Jayce) Pickett, Chayse (Jaron) Harthun, Sawyer (Bethany) Brown, Desmond Brown, and Caleb Brown; great-grandchildren Nora Pickett, Barrett Pickett, Mateo Brown, Jackson Brown, Athena Brown, and Opalina Brown. Greg is also survived by his sister, Sheila (Ron) Kuras; brother, Bruce (Beth) Frost; and brother- and sisters-in-laws Vicky Korblick, Richard Johnston, Brenda Johnston, Shirley Black, Merri Jo (Tim) Tunistra, and Rhonda (Dan) Bissanett; and several nieces and nephews.

Greg was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Lee Brown; mother, Margaret Brown Frost; stepfather, Clare Frost; father-in-law, Erwin Johnston; mother-in-law, Shirley Johnston; sister-in-law, Debbie Johnston; brother-in-law, Bob Shenew; brother-in-law, Dave Black; and sister-in-law, Christine Johnston.

A memorial service celebrating Greg’s life will be held from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Calvary Church, 304 S. Main St., Wayland, MI 49348. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., with service and luncheon following.

In memory of Greg and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookdorr.com in Greg’s online guestbook.