Willie Mack Brown

Willie Mack Brown, 84, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025. Born on April 30, 1940, in Pulaski, TN, Willie was the sixth of ten children to the late Joe Rod Brown and Rosie Bell Abernathy Brown. He was a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Willie grew up in Giles County, TN, where he attended Bridgeforth High School. After high school, he moved to Indianapolis, IN, where he began a long and fulfilling career. Willie worked as a Forklift Driver at Stokley VanCamp (Quaker Oats) for 30 years, where he was known for his strong work ethic. Upon retiring from Stokley VanCamp, he continued to dedicate himself to work at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre for over 35 years. Despite his age, Willie worked most weekends and often took on double shifts, demonstrating his commitment and pride in his work.

In his spare time, Willie loved spending time with family and friends, helping others, traveling, and riding his bike. He was a regular attendee of the Maxwell Family Reunions and enjoyed playing his guitar, listening to blues and rock & roll music. He had a fun-loving spirit and was always quick to offer a helping hand to those in need.

Willie’s faithfulness was an important part of his life. In 2012, he professed his love for Jesus Christ and was baptized by his nephew, Minister Mark Skelton. His dedication to his loved ones was evident in every aspect of his life.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Rod Brown and Rosie Bell Abernathy Brown; his brothers: Joe Cauley (Alvertis) Brown, Thomas Brown and Andrew Brown; his sisters: Frances Patton, Pearlene Wright and Nancy (Leroy) Seats; and his brothers-in-law, John Skelton Jr. and William Sims Sr.

He is survived by his brother, Calvin Brown (Adrianne) of Nashville, TN; his sisters, Sallie Sims of Hesperia, CA and Ruth Skelton of Indianapolis, IN; his brother-in-law, James Wright of Akron, OH; his sisters-in-law, Shirley Brown of Pulaski, TN and Brenda Brown of Nashville, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers who will cherish his memory.

Willie’s life was a testament to his deep love for his family and his dedication to his work. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, calm spirit, dedication, hard work, promptness and joy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation for Willie will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.