Obituary of Malcolm Brown

MARION, Va.: MALCOLM M. "MAL" BROWN, III age 65, died Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. On June 17th of 1950, Malcolm and Irene Brown welcomed a bouncing baby boy into the world, Malcolm Marvin Brown the Third. Mal may have been born the third, but throughout his life he was never satisfied with anything but first. Beginning with his days at Marion Senior High, playing football or his favorite sport, wrestling, Mal brought a passion and excitement to everything he did. He was focused, determined, and successful. Mal Brown was a bigger than life individual with a massive heart. As much as Mal valued his work, he loved living and making a difference, as evidenced by the diverse clubs and organizations he worked with; a Big Brother, Shriner, Boy Scout Leader, Marion Housing Authority board member, a Rotarian and a Sunday school teacher as he was a lifelong member of Marion's First United Methodist Church, Mal worked to make life better for others. In over forty years of managing his family business, he made Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory a leader locally, regionally, and nationally. Just this year, Seaver-Brown received The Pursuit of Excellence award from the National Funeral Directors Association. The Pursuit of Excellence is the premiere recognition program for funeral homes, setting standards of excellence that motivate staff, inspire innovation, and provide families with World Class Service. Mal was many things to many different people. He was a mentor, an industry leader, and an encourager, just to name a few. Mal Brown was the rock in his family. His proudest titles were husband, father, and grandfather. The latest love of his life, his granddaughter, was his newest experience and the one person who could make him feel great, even when he felt the worst. Mal and Zoe absolutely adored one another. Until the day he died, Mal Brown was The Funeral Director in Smyth County. No one loved people or life more than Mal. It was evident in every facet of his living. He was loved by family, friends, his community, and many in his industry. Mal Brown will be missed. He was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm M. Brown, Jr. Mal is survived by his wife, Sharon Rouse Brown; son, Malcolm M. Brown, IV; daughter-in-law, Dr. Jenna S. Moore; granddaughter, Zoe Aurelia Brown; mother, Irene Preston Brown; sister, Becky Brown Rankin; niece, "Uncle" Emily Rankin; sisters-in-law, Carol Sullins and husband, Ernie, Bobbie Jo Carty and husband, Mike, Norma Beidleman and husband, Dennis Key, and Peggy Hickman and husband, Fred; and several nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Connie Dancaster. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 6 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend John Graham and Reverend David Woody officiating. Mal will be buried in a private ceremony to follow. The family will receive friends Monday, October 19, 2015 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Brown Family.