Richard "Dick" Brown

Richard Lee “Dick” Brown, 88, of Savannah, Tennessee, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, after a month-long decline in health. He was born to Hubert and Mae Nicholson Brown on February 7, 1936, in Harrison, Arkansas. He was most known for being a devoted husband and father, favorite teacher, and talented musician and artist.

After graduating high school in Harrison, he attended Hendrix College in Conway, AR, as a music major where he met the love of his life. He and Sue Barker were united in marriage on June 29, 1958. He then received his Master’s degree at the University of Missouri in 1962 and continued directing junior high and high school bands. 

He later became an Associate Professor of Music at Lambuth College in Jackson, TN, where he directed the concert and jazz bands for thirty-five years. “Brown” was voted Lambuth’s Faculty Member of the Year in 1986 and is credited for composing the “Alma Mater” and “Fight Song.” He also directed countless orchestras for musical theater productions and Madrigal Feasts. 

Dick was the principal trumpet player for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra for fourteen years and served on the board of directors. Professional memberships included West Tennessee Band Directors Association, College Band Directors National Association, and National Association of Jazz Educators. During his time in Jackson, he also directed and composed pieces for the sanctuary choirs at First Presbyterian, Northside, Hays Avenue, and Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Churches. He was a member of the Jackson and Savannah Rotary Clubs. 

After retiring from Lambuth, he and Sue relocated to Savannah where he spent much time painting portraits, landscapes, and historical pieces, bass fishing, and golfing. He will be missed by so many. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church where he was actively involved in the chancel choir and handbell groups. Memorials may be made to the church.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, of Savannah; daughter Cindy Bair of Pueblo, CO; daughter Libby Blackwell (Craig) of Dacula, GA; son Bill Brown (Sharon) of Taylorsville, GA; and son Bob Brown (Tammy) of Savannah, TN. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Anne Crow of Conway, AR, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Shackelford Funeral Home in Savannah on Thursday, June 6, from 5—7 P.M. Visitation will also be on Friday, June 7, at 10 A.M., followed by the funeral at 11 A.M. at First United Methodist Church in Savannah. The officiant is Rev. Dr. Lloyd Doyle. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens in Savannah.