Noted golfer and longtime operator of the Moccasin Bend Golf Course Wesley G. Brown Sr. has died at 91.
Born in Chattanooga on September 11, 1929, to Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Brown, Sr., he attended Normal Park Elementary and McCallie School, as a standout athlete and leader.
At Washington Lee University, he was captain of the golf team and played defensive back on the football team until suffering a knee injury the year before W&L played in the Gator Bowl. While at W&L, he won several collegiate tourneys and the Tennessee Amateur championship.
Mr. Brown served in the Army artillery division from 1952-54 and later in Army National Guard. After
his service, he became an agent for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. serving alongside his brother Ed and other family members.
His passion for golf as a player, business owner and volunteer were lifelong constants. He was a
successful amateur winning city and state titles; being one putt from the semi-finals of 1957 U.S. Amateur.
He played in the 1980 Senior Open at renown Oakland Hills Country Club.
While growing his insurance business, he led the group that operated Moccasin Bend Golf Course for 40 years, where he relished interacting with patrons and employees, many of whom included children of family/friends, all learning life lessons of hard work with people from all walks of life.
He was president of Chattanooga Golf Association and his 25-years hosting USGA’s Public Links
qualifying led to his being a recipient of prestigious USGA Ike Grainger Award for service to the game.
He loved youth sports, regularly coaching his children’s teams becoming known to many as “Coach
Brown” for his enthusiastic supportive “yells”.
He also loved McCallie School, serving as a Board of Trustee member and avid booster spear-
heading construction of Spears Stadium and the hiring of legendary football Coach Pete Potter. While an intense spectator, fellow fans knew of his devotion to the Blue Tornado. He led efforts at McCallie to install golf short game facilities.
His playful sense of humor and charismatic way was often on display, needling friends and family
with a sly smile and off-beat comments.
Mr. Brown and wife June loved winters in Florida, where he played golf, enjoyed dinners out and enjoyed his dogs Hocker and JW to whom he was devoted.
Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his two sisters, Dorothy Moore Mary Alice (FiFi) Brock and
three of his brothers Ed Brown, Jr., Jack Brown and Allen Brown. He is survived by his wife June Hocker Brown; daughter Honey Doramus (husband Jim), Nashville; son Wes Brown (wife Karen), Franklin; son Jeff Brown (wife Cantey), Charlotte; six grandchildren: Hontas Lowrance (husband Fred), Jamie Chenery (husband Taylor), Kiely Brown, Sutton Brown, Whitaker Brown, and Wesley Brown, and six great-grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery on Friday, March 3.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date so that friends and family may gather together safely.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Edward E. Brown Scholarship Fund, C/O McCallie
School Development Office, 500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 or a favorite charity.
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423 531-3975.