Rodney Brown

Rod Brown went to sleep on New Year’s Eve 2015 and awakened in the presence of God on January 1, 2016. Born November 8, 1946 in Orlando, Florida, Rod lived all over our country under the lead of a father who was a captain in the Army and the love of a God fearing mother; sandwiched between two brothers. My sweet husband of 43 years and I met and married on August 4, 1972. We wound up at the foot of the cross in 1975 where we surrendered our dirty souls and laid our lives in the arms of Jesus where His mercy and grace carried us on an unforgettable journey. Rod served his God and country in Vietnam as a lookout in the Navy. He lived his life surrendered and full of the gifts and talents God gave him. His passion and zeal for life surfaced on the tennis court, on the guitar, in beautiful paintings and handmade crosses, on the shores of Lake Cherokee, and into the lives of many. He loved his family and served his community as a board chairman, music leader, Bible teacher, craftsman, artist, boathouse builder, home builder, home designer and above all as a humbled servant of the Lord with a prophetic utterance. He went through life quipped with sayings like “form follows function” and “attitude is everything”. He walked in contentment in the state he was in. At the beginning of 2015 after fierce medical battles he began to speak that God was going to restore everything in truth and light. 2 Chronicles 7:14 burned deep in His soul and he could not let go of God’s words. Last year Rod was living for two little souls: his newest grandsons Sawyer and Zade. In these last few weeks his days got quieter and quieter and in his weakness, our God was made strong. He greeted everyone with warm looks of love and his wonderful hands cupped in the shape of a heart. His texts were full of happy faces, red hearts, and encouraging words in the Lord. He was reaching for the hem and praying as our Lord taught us to pray daily. There is no doubt in my mind that on January 1, 2016, Rod was met with the words, “You have fought a good fight. You have finished the course. You have kept the faith. Well done my good and faithful servant.” Rod was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Madge and father, Archie D. Brown. He is survived by his wife, Cindy: daughter, Karyn Lynn Cipolla and husband Chris, grandkids Austin and Alyssa: son, Chad Reynolds: daughter, Meredith Montiel, grandkids Brittany and Leo: daughter, Angela Florczykowski and husband Matt, grandsons Zackary and Zade: daughter Sara Ward and husband Jarrod, grandson Sawyer: brothers Archie Dee and Vic Brown and their families: and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Honor the life of Rod Brown and glorify our God at a Celebration Service at 10 AM on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Lifebridge Christian Center. You may fellowship with the family following the service. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: Longview Dream Center Shade Tree Ministry

Rodney Brown

August 4, 1972 - January 1, 2016