Carter Dennis Brown

carter brown
Carter Dennis Brown, 70, of Leicester, died Sunday, January 4, 2015. A native of Buncombe Co., he was a son of the late Carter Franklin and Christine Wilson Brown. Mr. Brown grew up on a farm and was a lifelong resident of Leicester. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree, and received his Ed.S from Western Carolina University. Mr. Brown had a thirty-eight year career in education, working as a teacher at Oakley Elementary before serving as principal of West Buncombe Elementary for thirty-two years. Known as an innovative educator, he was instrumental in the formation of the new West Buncombe School. Following retirement, he was trained as a lay speaker in the Methodist Church and served as pastor at Little Sandy United Methodist Church. Mr. Brown was an active member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, serving in many capacities, including Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member. He was an accomplished musician, playing piano and organ. He was a history buff, especially enjoying presidential history, and he loved to travel. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Linda Nix Brown; daughters, Dr. Lori Brown of Candler, and Kristi Brown of Charlotte; sister-in-law Rachel Howell and husband Ken; and numerous cousins. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Owen officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Building Fund, 200 Mt. Carmel Rd., Asheville, NC 28806. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.

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  1. Linda, you and your daughters are in my prayers. You and I both know there are things worse than death. Dennis was a gentlemen and was always very nice to me.

  2. Mrs. Brown, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Brown was a wonderful man and asset to our community. He was loved And admired by all his students. We have nothing but fond memories. He will be missed.

  3. I remember Mr.Brown he was my elemartery school principal. May he rest in Pease and may god ‘ve with his family during this time.

  4. So very sorry to hear of Mr Brown’s passing. My thoughts are with you guys. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us through the years. He truly made a lasting impact on countless children.
    Rene’ Brooks

  5. When Mr. Brown was the principal at West Buncombe all three of my kids attended there ,,they all loved him dearly and my dad and myself thought the world of him , my thoughts and prayers are with the family abut even though we lost a true friend and loved one Heaven gained a fine christian

  6. Mr. Brown was one of the best Principals in history. Always knew you by your name when he seen you. Even when I got older I would see him out in public and he would say I know you went to West Buncombe and your last name is Owens now remind me which Owens you are. I would tell him and he always remembered until the last time I seen him and it really hurt to see him that sick. I remember him as being a very bright and sincere man. To the Brown family I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers thru this time of sorrow.

  7. Prayers for the loss of your Great Loved one! May God Bless each of you and give you peace, comfort, and great memories. He sure left sweet memories in the hearts of our families. We Love you guys.

  8. When I think of Mr. Brown, I think of a life well-lived. Not only was he to be admired for his genuine love for his family and his numerous contributions to the community, he proudly served our Savior in an era when school and church often collided.
    Even during his extended illness, you, his family, continued to be friends and leaders in the lives of others. In the coming days, hold tight to good memories and lean on those around you who cherished not only a dear man, but also his family.
    With love and sympathy.

  9. Used to dread gettin called to his office!!! Always knew it would not end good!! Now that I’m alot older a little wiser, he was always fair and was an extremely good person. Thank you Mr. Brown for doing your best with me and making me think about things over the years!!

  10. Sorry to hear of Mr Browns passing, , remember him well from my years at West Buncombe ,, he was a very fair man I have many good memories of him,, he was a great inspiration to all the people in which life’s he crossed. . My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. .. ( A great man ) Can not sat enough about him ,, May you rest in peace MR BROWN ,, LOVE BY MANY..

  11. Just the small amount of time I got to know Dennis was such a Blessing, we had many of great laughs. As a caregiver, he was a special person to me. In which I called him my buddy, we had a trusting bond from the start. But now I know you are up there in heaven my friend playing that piano and singing Amazing Grace. What a rejoicing day… May GOD BLESS. Prayers for all of you..

  12. Mr. Brown was one of the nicest person we met after moving to Leicester . I know he will be missed by all his friends and family. R.I.P claude and sue hurt

  13. I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Brown’s passing. I was a student at Oakley and he was my favorite teacher. He was always fair in anything he did. He did much to encourage all of his students to do their best.

  14. Mr. Brown made a wonderful lasting impression. I can say this because I remember him so well from elementary school and thats saying something. He had such a kind soul and most of my family new him. Praying for the family…..

  15. Thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time. Mr. Brown was a wonderful principal, and even many years of being away from West Buncombe, he still could call you by name. He made a lasting impression on many.

  16. Mr. Brown was a wonderful principal at West Buncombe when I was there and I was delighted when he also was my children’s principal, carrying on traditions of fairness and excellence. I know these last years have been difficult for his family. May they find peace and comfort in good memories of such a good man who served his community so well.

  17. My sincere condolences to you, Linda and Lori & Kristi. I know it is a heavy loss for you all. I have fond memories of Dennis (Mr. Brown will always be the way I would address him) from my days at West Buncombe from 9 yrs on and also from Mount Carmel. He told me of his days at UNC-Chapel Hill when I attended there as well. We were from then on Tarheel blood. I pray for you through the days ahead for comfort and strength from the Father above.

  18. I simply cannot think of my childhood days at West Buncombe without thinking of Mr. Brown. I remember him saying a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom every morning, and entertaining the ‘bus riders’ in the lunchroom before and after school. Such a kind, sweet man of faith who loved his Lord, his family and his students and staff. Our world was surely better with him in it. Prayers for Kristi, Lori and Mrs. Brown.

  19. Linda, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I always admired and respected Dennis. He was an outstanding educator.

  20. Linda so sorry for your loss. I got to know you and Dennis when we all taught at Oakley ‘He was a good educator and a fine man. He will be missed.

  21. Dennis was a fine human being, the epitome of someone who loved his Lord and family. He gave so much to so many. I will miss him deeply.

  22. Mr. Brown was a wonderful principal for both my kids: Chelsey Lee Gaddy and James Scot Gaddy. I am thankful for his life’s work – and for all those years that I was a member at Mt. Carmel – he was strong, dedicated and such a gentleman. I remember when my aunt (who had been a teacher at West Buncombe died) – she had given him some of her mom’s (my grandma’s homemade/handpainted native wildlife stationery) – and he had never used it although he thought it was beautiful. When my grandma and/or aunt died (he returned it all to me – and said ‘it should stay in our family’ – I still have it and have many memories of him and his family. GOD BLESS YOU ALL – heaven got a good one ! !

  23. Brown family- Mr Brown spoke to me in 5th grade and turned my life around for the better. I am certainly a better person for knowing him. Great man- great legacy in us all that knew him-

  24. Mr. Brown was a very sweet an excellent principal at West Buncombe. Thinking of you and your family as you walk with Jesus. ♡

  25. I will miss him. He was such a great Principal. I will never forget him letting me hold the flag for one of our programs because my Dad was overseas in Desert Storm. I will cherish many fond memories of him. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

  26. I remember Mr. Brown being a teacher at Oakley Elementary. Mrs. Brown you were Miss Nix back then so that tells us how long it’s been. Everyone loved Mr. Brown and wanted to be in his class. You all will be in my prayers during this time.

  27. He was a good man; he was my principal way back at the old West Buncombe elementary that no longer exists. Strict, fair, and caring.

  28. Dearest Linda, Lori & Kristi you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Dennis was always a gentleman and a wonderful man, very kind, intelligent and someone we all looked up to. We have fond memories of our High School days at Leicester High School, then later years as our Pastor at Little Sandy United Methodist Church and the day he married Stanley and I. Bless you all.

  29. Our prayers go out to the family of Dennis Brown. He was an outstanding educator and family man who made an impact on many children. It is a sad day for Asheville but a great day for Heaven.
    Neil & Delores Thagard

  30. Linda, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the girls. Mr. Brown will always be special to me and I have such wonderful memories of having the privilege to work for him at West Buncombe for so many years. He was an amazing person and most certainly will be missed. Love to you all.
    Marty & Jan Cundiff

  31. Mr. Brown was a wonderful principal. I always felt well-taken care of while he was at the helm at West Buncombe. He was a caring and intelligent man who put students first. He will be missed.

  32. So sorry to hear about Mr. Brown’s passing. He was my principal at west buncombe many years ago and always cared about his students. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

  33. Linda, Lori, and Kristi, our prayers are with each of you. Dennis was a very special person that we have known for years. We both went to school with him at Leicester, and then later was blessed to have him as our pastor at Little Sandy Methodist Church. He was very helpful in getting more members to join the church and encouraged everyone to improve the worship services. Through his leadership we were able to make many improvements to our church. He was always the same no matter where you saw him. We will always remember as a special friend to our church family and community. He certainly will be missed but we know he is in a better place without pain and suffering. May the Lord bless you and keep you until you can be united with him again.
    If we can help you in any way please let us know.
    With all our love, Faye and Ervin Revis

  34. Such a great mentor and professional. My family knew Mr. Brown for years and I never knew anyone that had a bad thing to say about him. May he rest in peace and his family find solace in knowing he was loved by so many of us as children and on into adulthood.

  35. Sweet Mr. Brown… you will be missed. Your family is held very close to my heart. I am praying for comfort for their spirit’s.

  36. i know that so many have been affected positively by Dennis over the years that there is broad agreement on his qualities as a gentleman, a scholar, an educator and certainly a friend. The world is not as friendly today because of his passing. I will never forget his welcoming me into the county school system and his friendship freely offered.

  37. Linda, Lori & Kristi,
    Mr. Brown was a great man. My family thought highly of him. He made a difference each day as an educator and as a kind and caring person. Our prayers are with you.
    Mike and Jackie Byerly Family
    Paul Caldwell

  38. So sorry about your loss. Dennis was a great person and I know you will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  39. Mr. Brown was our SS teacher for years and was so good to our family, he was a sweet man and we will miss him!

  40. Lori and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Brown sounds like a great man. Remember all the good times and to take all the time you need to grieve. Wishing you all the best.

  41. Lori my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. Your father clearly made an incredible impact on many people and he will live on through your wonderful memories of him. Take care

  42. Linda and family: Although I did not have the privilege to work with Mr. Brown, I know from what others have said about him that he was an exceptional educator and principal. I am praying for you and your family.

  43. Lori & Kristi – We were so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Knowing of his illness, you have been in our hearts and prayers all this time. We still miss having you as our neighbors. We know that God is even closer to you at this time. Philip & Cathey Turbyfill

  44. Mrs. Brown, we are very sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your girls in this sad time but know that Mr. Brown is in a better place with our Lord. All of you will be in our prayers.

  45. Linda and girls …We are so very sorry for the loss of Mr. Brown. I know he is in heaven with my sweet mamma (Elizabeth Myers). She really thought a lot of Mr. Brown. He was a good man. We will keep you and the girls in our prayers.

  46. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My heart goes out to your family. Death is something we will never get use to. In fact, God’s Word refers to death as an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) Very soon our loving Heavenly Father, will remove death once and for all ( Rev 21:4) and give us the opportunity to see our loved ones again here on the earth. (Acts 24:15)

  47. Dear Linda, Kristi and Lori,
    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Brown. He was always very kind to me and never passed by me without something funny to share! He will be missed by so many.
    Love and prayers!

  48. I remember Mr. Brown at west buncombe elementary (the old one) I was in second grade and while in the restroom I thought it would be funny to turn the water bar on the urinal to spray the other kids. Mr. Brown soon found out and I went into his office where he showed me his paddle and explained the benefits of being a better person. He helped shape a lot of people into better people and I will miss him and look forward to seeing him again in heavean.


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