Richard Travis Brown

Richard Travis Brown, 83, a resident of Pensacola, Florida and formerly of Luverne and Elba, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Sodalis Assisted Living on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024, while surrounded by his family. Funeral services for Richard will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, May 28th, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with Brother Clay Crum officiating. Interment will follow in Live Oak Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service.

Richard was a proud member of the Luverne High School Class of 1959. During his high school days, he was extremely proud of being a three-sport athlete, though football was always his first love. His love of sports endured throughout most of his life, whether it was playing softball as an adult or cheering on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide. However, there was probably nothing sports-involved that he loved more than attending the various games his grandchildren played! In fact, there was likely no role he cherished more than that of "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard was also proud of his work as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Alabama Department of Public Health for over 30 years. In his free time, he also loved gardening and woodworking, as well as attending his high school reunions.

Truly, Richard was really just a big ol' Teddy Bear. He might have come off with this gruff, tough exterior, but it really masked a kind heart deep inside. That's because, above all else, Richard was a Christian. Not the kind who just fills a pew, but the kind who believes in doing what is right, even when it's difficult, and one who firmly held to his values and morals throughout it all. It helped that any "spoonful of vinegar" that went down was usually accompanied with his singular dry wit! He served as a deacon at Woodland Grove Church for several years, and was later a deacon and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Luverne. Richard was a truly beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family beyond measure, as they did him. He will be missed more than words can possibly express, but they know he is now rejoicing in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Richard was preceded in death by his son, Richard Travis Brown Jr; parents, Fred & Flora Bell Penn Brown; brothers, Colbert Brown and Hollis Brown; and niece, Debbie Brown Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Roslyn Benton Brown; sons, Hollis Troy (Anne) Brown and Scott Benton Brown (Lisa Lindsey); daughter-in-law, Audrey Brown; grandchildren, Heather (Eric) Wetzel, Travis Brown, Tyler (Tori) Brown, and Anna Kate (William) Hernando; great-grandchildren, Colton Wetzel and Anna Beth Wetzel; niece, Dee Dee Brown Elliott; nephews, Doug (Rita) Brown and Danny (Kim) Brown; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Doug Brown, Danny Brown, Austin Brown, Tyler Brown, Ryan Brown, and Daniel Brown.