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Obituary For Retired Major Willie James Brown, Sr.
Willie James Brown, Sr. was born on October 14, 1949 in Cowpens, South Carolina to the late
Uzie Brown, Sr. and Alline Lavonna (Gaffney) Brown. Deacon Brown was baptized at the age
of 12 in the Foster’s Grove Baptist Church, where he remained a member throughout his life
until his passing on September 2, 2025.
Willie attended the Ralph J. Bunch Elementary School in Cowpens, S.C. and he graduated
from the Benjamin E. Mays High School in Pacolet, S.C. in 1967. He continued his education at
Cecil’s Business College and Spartanburg Community College, and graduated with an
Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Spartanburg Methodist College in 1980.
Deacon Brown spent virtually all of his professional life in Law Enforcement. In 1975 Willie
joined the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, he
graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and received extensive
specialized law enforcement training. In 1977 he was promoted to sergeant of Uniformed
Patrol. In 1983 he was promoted to Lieutenant of the Uniformed Patrol, and in 1990 He was
promoted to Captain of Uniformed Patrol. In 1992 Brown was promoted to Chief Deputy, which
was the second in command under the County Sheriff. Willie Brown was the first black
supervisor in the history of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s office, and the first black Chief
Deputy. Willie Served on the Board for Safe Home Rape Crises Center, Children’s Advocacy
Center, Stop the Violence Coalition, Spartanburg Ministries, and Masonic Lodge #177. Major
Brown was a member of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association. In 1997 he
was presented with the Torch of Freedom Award from the East Spartanburg County NAACP.
Throughout his life, Deacon Willie James Brown was actively and consistently engaged in the
life of the church. He participated in the Baptist Training Union and sang in the Foster’s Grove
Youth Choir, the Senior Choir and the Men’s Choir. He was active in Sunday School, as well as
the Men’s Ministry, the Marriage Ministry and also provided leadership for Church Security.
Deacon Brown served as a Trustee for many years and later became Church Treasurer, a
capacity in which he served faithfully for more than 30 years. As Chair of the Deacon Board,
Deacon Willie Brown helped to steer the church through its transitional years from the old
sanctuary and was very instrumental in the planning, implementation and entrance into the new
Foster’s Grove Baptist Church facility.
Deacon Willie James Brown, Sr. leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Cornelia (Murphy)
Brown, two sons, Willie James Brown, Jr. (Nicole), and Brandon Christopher Brown; five
grandchildren, Inaaji Aries (Jose), Caleb Smith Brown, Gabrielle Sherman (Branden), Haley
Brown, Isiah Brown; two great-grandchildren, Jasmine Smith and Giovanni Sherman, two God-
grandchildren, Talue and Nijoni Vincent; two brothers, Zebedee Brown (Effie) and Uzee Brown,
Jr., two sisters, Ethelene Brown (Palmer) and Delois Marie Brown (Daniels); nieces and
nephews, Gail Brown Henderson (Michael), Stephanie and Stephon Brown, Brenda and Linda
McGill, Odis “Butch” Dawkins, Cynthia Dawkins, Sonya L. Palmer, Jason Palmer, David
Daniels, IV (Alindria), Deandrea Daniels Lamar (Willie), and a host of great nieces and
nephews, and other relatives and friends. A life well-lived, and a heart that touched so many,
his life will live on in the lives of those he cherished and those who cherished him.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Foster Grove Baptist Church, Chesnee, SC. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
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Sad to hear news of major Brown. I met him when he was a lieutenant. He was a super person and enjoyed being around him.
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I was so saddened to learn just today of the passing of Willie. He was a dear man and friend and fellow Lion. My deepest sympathy to the family. Shirley Tipi
I worked for Major Brown at the Sheriff's Office for most of my 36 years. Once we were assigned to assist in the protection detail of President George Bush Sr at the Greenville Spartanburg Airport. Myself and Deputy McConnell were assigned to guard a remote hanger. The Deputies who were closer to the Plane were allowed to actually go on the plane. Major Brown accompanied them. Several years later Pres. Bush ( son ) came and Major Brown arranged for McConnell and me to go on the plane. He remembered we could not go the first time and made it up to us.God Bless you Brandon, Willie, Ms Neal.
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. He and I were friends since 1984. He was such an awesome guy. Very nice very sweet. I am very sorry to hear this. I say prayers for the family for peace and comfort during this time of such a great loss in your family. He will never be forgotten or loved by those who knew him may God bless.
To Dee & the rest of the Brown family we extend our sincerest sympathy for your loss. Judge Donnie & Dr. Jean Blackley Spartanburg, SC
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To the entire Brown family, I send my deepest sympathy to all of you. "Blessed is he whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and Earth, the sea and everything in them - the Lord , who remains faithful forever." Psalms 146 : 5 , 6
Well done good and faithful servant. Your faith and obedience to God will be rewarded in Heaven.
To my Extended Family The Brown, Dea Brown will be truly missed! I grew up with Him as Willie James from one House to another! You all are in the Durham Prayer! We Love you!
My Prayers & Condolences To The Brown Family
Sending love and prayers to you and family.
Sending love and prayers
Losing a Husband/Father is never easy. May you find strength in your memories and his guiding spirit.
My sincere condolences to the family. I pray Gods Love surrounds you abundantly in the days ahead.
The Gaulden family send our sympathy and condolences to the Brown family. We love you Vera Mae and Aja
Mrs. Neal Brown sending my condolences to you and your family during this time. So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I will continue to lift you and your family in prayer.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
