Birth Date: 05/08/1950
Deceased Date: 11/20/2023
Erwin, NC: Mr. Gary Wayne Brown, age 73, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 4:00PM Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Overflow Church 8280 NC HWY 50 N, Angier, NC 27501. Pastor Brandon Teachey and Hugo Zacarias will officiate.
Mr. Brown was born on May 8, 1950 in Iredell County, NC to the late George Vernon Washington Brown and Mary Eunice Buford Brown. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Rickie Brown. Gary retired as a sales representative but never retired from performing and recording the music he loved. It’s been written that there is no other kind of music in the world that gives you quite the thrill as Carolina Beach Music. “Mary Brown’s boy” as he was affectionately referred to by his closest friends, spent his entire life as an award-winning lead singer and soloist. Throughout his music career he was an ultimate lead vocalist with a multitude of beach bands. “Brownie” as he was referred to by many of his dear friends was bestowed the highest honor in Beach Music and inducted to the Beach Music Hall of Fame. He had song of the year in 2005, titled “Is the Magic Still There.” He was also inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame with the Band of Oz. His impact on the Carolina Beach Music Industry was profound. His influence and passion contributed significantly to the music scene, leaving an indelible mark that will not be forgotten. Whether through his music, or simply sharing his infectious smile, Gary touched the lives of those around him.
Survivors include his children, Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Masseth and husband Kevin of Myrtle Beach, SC, Tucker Johnson Brown, Kason Adams Brown, Easton Douglas Brown all of Angier, William “Billy” Keim of Florida, grandchildren, Xavier Masseth, Raegan Masseth; Jenna Tillton and husband Jesse, Payton Keim; great granddaughter Layla Tilton. Siblings include Jan Dean of Greensboro, Martha “Mott” Robertson and husband, Harold of Newton, Vickie Brown of Statesvillle, and Chuck Brown of Mooresville; many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 3:00PM-4:00PM-Sunday, November 26, 2023 in the Sanctuary at Overflow Church, and other times at the home of Nickie Brown, 3955 NC HWY 55 W. Angier, NC 27501.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Tucker, Kason and Easton Brown c/o Clark Johnson, 25 Doug Johnson Lane, Angier, NC, 27501 or
Memorials may be made to Friends Fighting Cancer, Inc. PO Box 2265, Dunn, NC 28335. Please make checks out to Friends Fighting Cancer.
Arrangements by Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Coats, NC.
