Ralph Newton Brown, 79, of Hixson, Tennessee,passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2016.
Ralph was born in Greensboro, NC to the late Lula and Russell Brown. He spent his childhood in the Gold Hill community of Independence, Virginia, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where he loved to visit. He kept a summer home in Independence for 12 years, until his health declined. He was a graduate of Independence High School. He earned a B.A from Lincoln Memorial University and a M.S in biology from Tennessee Technological University. He worked as a biology teacher in Glade Springs, VA before working as a TVA aquatic biologist. Following retirement, he worked as a project inspector for FEMA in 15 states. Ralph was a charter member of St Alban’s Episcopal Church.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Martha Henard Brown; his son, Alan Douglas Brown; his granddaughter, Laura Allison Brown; his sisters, Marlene Austin and Mildred Dowell; his nephews, Peter Chalich and Roy Dowell; and his niece, Charlotte Dixon.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 7514 Hixson Pike.
Memorial Contributions to the church may be given in lieu of flowers.
Companion Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.