2023
Obituary
Clifton “Sonny” Brown, born June 1st, 1964, in Tuscaloosa Alabama, has dolefully passed away on October 25, 2023, surrounded by his family in warmth and love. A loving husband, gentle father, exceptional brother and son, devoted deacon and generous PawPaw, his loss is felt deeply by his family and friends. Known for his bright character, strength and faith, he leaves a legacy inspiring those close to him.
Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he notably grew into a spirited child, who developed into playing basketball. He went on to graduate Brookwood High School. Shortly after graduating he began dating the love of his life and wife of 39 years, Pam. After graduation he went on to become the youngest store manager to ever be hired for BIG B drugs, leading to his career as a project manager for CVS.
As it wasn’t in his highest achievements or his lowest days that will become indelible, but in the small negligible moments that he will be felt. He will be felt sitting near a quiet lake, as we watch tiny waves ripple off a baited cast. He will be felt in the first touchdown of every Alabama football game, remembering the joy and elation in his eyes. He will be felt in the stillness of the woods, remembering his utmost patience for a greater reward. And most palpably, we will feel him in the growth and development of his grandkids as we see the mirrored love and affection, he has tactfully planted in each of them.
Maybe it will be the smell of a “hot n now” Krispy Kreme or his mama’s cooking that brings you back to the memory and legacy of Sonny. Maybe it will be a funny scene in dumb n dumber that jolts you back to his contagious laughter. Whatever pulls you back to his memory, we take it as a greater joy that he was also pulled back to his heavenly Father. The lifelong tugging that Sonny felt from the Lord was apparent and reflective in his day-to-day life. It is in our loss that Sonny has found his home.
There are not enough words attainable to offer a summation of his life on a single page. He was loved and blessed by Christ. He reflected Christ’s love and grace in his daily living. His harvest will continue to reap rewards years beyond his passing. Sonny may have ascended to a more permanent home, but it was in his life that he was steadfast in building and weaving a home in others. He has created a space in all of our hearts and memories that we can return to feel his warmth and feel close in spirit.
Sonny is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents David and Bernice Barger, Paternal grandparents Freeman and Mary Lee Brown, Father-in-law Sam Reed, and Jerry Jones. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Pam Brown, parents Clifton and Linda Brown, children Chase (Lauren) and Chasity Brown, grandchildren Ala Caroline and Sonny Bennett Brown and mother-in-law Dot Reed, sister Angie Rowland (Yogi), brother Dennis Brown (Brandi) and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
Serving as Active Pallbearers will be Dennis Brown, John Foy, Cody Hodo, Dalton Hodo, Chad Reed and Yogi Rowland. The family wishes to recognize: Lou Jones, Benny & Jo Marsh, Bear & Missy Tucker, Pat Malone, Chuck & Cindy Reed, Chuck Gaines, Steve & Shelia Smith and Judy & Jeremy Strop as Honorary Pallbearers.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, October 27th at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Baptist Cemetery in Vance, AL, with Bro. Jack Clary officiating. Services will be under the direction of Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations, in Sonny’s honor, be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sonny Brown 2023.
Death notice for the town of: Tuscaloosa, state: Alabama
So sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. I had the privilege to be his Assistant Manager when he ran the Big B at Five Points. We built Mt. Dew Pyramids using our empty cans as we worked thru the day’s events. Not many times do you find a Coworker who was first your friend then continues to be a friend above being “The Boss”. His smile and laugh will forever remain my memory of him or maybe the quick joke about the “Old Days” while he never checks up from taking a Photograph of a Child’s Baseball memory as we traveled this journey of Life.