McSwain-Evans Funeral Home

Newberry, SC

Dr. John W. Brown, Sr. PDF Print E-mail

Dr. John Williamson Brown, Sr., 84, died Wednesday, February 17, 2021 in Newberry S.C.  Dr. Brown was born 10/23/1936 in Newberry, SC, the son of the late Sims Williamson “Brother” Brown and Nora Kate Weaver Brown.  A graduate of Clemson University and Duke Medical School, he served in the Navy (1962-1965) during the Cuban Crisis.  His internship took place at MUSC in Charleston, SC, where he was Board Certified in General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery.

In 1970 Dr. Brown joined Palmetto Surgical Associates in Columbia, SC, which was the oldest General Surgery Practice in SC.  While serving this practice, he took a four-month cardiovascular fellowship in 1982 at the Houston Heart Institute with Dr. Denton Cooley.  This education prepared for the leadership role in beginning the Open Heart Program at Richland Memorial Hospital.

In 2001 Dr. Brown came back to his hometown to practice in Newberry.  He began in private practice and then became an employee of NCMH.

In 2011, Dr. Brown was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in the State of South Carolina, by Governor Nikki Haley, for his achievements and contributions to the state.

He was a devoted member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council and as a member of Lutheran Men.  He was a member of the Kiwanis Club for over 40 years and served as Lieutenant Governor of the Carolinas’ Kiwanis International, supporting the World Health Organization’s IDD project.  As an advocate for those less fortunate, Dr. Brown gave freely his leadership abilities and medical expertise to provide medical care at several Free Clinics in the state and internationally in Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 2010.  Dr. Brown continued to serve NCMH until 2018.

Dr. Brown is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susandale Cauble Brown and four children, Jan Brown Jones (Dennis), John Brown, Jr. (Jamie), Nora Elizabeth Brown and Anna Brown Applegate (Todd). He is also survived by his three siblings Sarah Brown Fine, Helen Brown Eichel (Henry), and Clyde Brown (Frances).  In addition, Dr. Brown has five grandchildren Caitlin Suits (Russell), Elwell “E” Williamson, Reganne Livingston (Zach), Anabella Applegate and Jack Applegate.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 20th at 2:00 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, which will be virtual.

In lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church Narthex Fund, 1416 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 or NCMH Foundation, 2669 Kinard Street, Newberry, SC. 29108.
 

Comments  

 
#35 Brice & Alice Boozer 2021-02-24 14:22
So sorry for your lost. Dr. Brown was truly a great doctor and served his community well. He will be greatly missed. Peace to the family.
 
 
#34 Kimberley Shealy 2021-02-22 10:04
Clyde, I'm sorry to hear about Dr.John. He was so nice to my mom when she was sick.My prayers and thoughts are with yours and his family. He will be missed greatly. All my love.
 
 
#33 Evangeline Lide 2021-02-21 14:02
So sorry for your loss. He did so much for our town and county. He will be greatly missed.
Sarah, I know you will miss him. When Mother went to him, he told me you were working with children in Florida. You and your family will be in my prayers. God give you strength. Love ya, Evangeline
 
 
#32 Jeff Brooker, MD 2021-02-21 12:37
Mrs. Brown and all John's Family:
"Back in the day” John and Palmetto Surgical used to give really enjoyable and inclusive Christmas parties.
This quote comes to mind in thinking of John's full life:
Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking [human] on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure. —Oliver Sachs MD. Condolences to you and the family but may you find solace in appreciating the great life John was privileged to enjoy.
 
 
#31 L. Sims 2021-02-21 10:53
Dr. Brown saved my life. A few years ago, I was traveling on I-26 and had a serious health emergency, and I went to Newberry hospital, not knowing anyone in town. Through a series of emergency surgeries, Dr. Brown saved my life, and he is the reason I am alive today. I was fortunate to know him during that brief time, and to benefit from his talents and dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
 
 
#30 Mary Jo Piester 2021-02-21 04:29
We’re so sorry to hear of John’s passing..
May the Lord give you all comfort, strength, peace, and grace today and the days ahead during this most difficult time.. God Bless ~William & Mary Jo L. Piester ~ Billie L. Lominick
 
 
#29 Veda Cook 2021-02-20 19:04
Sorry for your loss love and prayers
 
 
#28 Wayne Golden 2021-02-20 15:08
Dr Brown was my school bus driver when I was in the 5th grade. His sister , Sara , was my classmate. Wonderful family, The Browns. Rest In Peace fellow Tiger !
 
 
#27 Diane 2021-02-20 12:36
Dr. Brown was truly one-of-a-kind. His love for his profession and for mankind was and always will be an outstanding legacy for all of us to strive for. Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with each of you. Find comfort in God's love today and in the days to come. All of us have been richly blessed by his presence. Dr. Brown, you gave your life to all of us -now rest in peace that is well deserved with you Lord and Saviur.
Steve & Diane Madray Metts
 
 
#26 Dedra Daniels Mount 2021-02-20 12:31
We were so sorry to hear of Dr. Brown's passing. My family first came to know him when my mother cared for his two youngest children, and we came to see firsthand what a dedicated physician and loving father he was. I am sure that he and my mother are in Heaven right now, reliving old times and sharing a laugh or two.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Susandale, NoraBeth, Anna Ruth and the whole Brown family.
 
 
#25 Libby J Lewis Johnso 2021-02-20 11:10
So sorry to learn of the passing of this great surgeon and in earlier days, a wonderful friend of my family! May he rest in Heavenly Peace now!
 
 
#24 Judy Shealy 2021-02-20 10:45
So sorry to hear of Dr. Brown's passing..My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
 
 
#23 Sheriff Lee Foster 2021-02-20 10:41
Our family extends our deepest sympathy on the passing of a medical icon and family member. Dr. Brown was a unique human being. He was a man of true service. Whether it be through the military, community organizations, free medical care for those less fortunate, or his chosen profession as a healer; he was a man of devout service. And he did this all without assumptions and with quiet humbleness. He was such a gifted surgeon that his hands, knowledge and abilities were those of a wiseman that could walk with kings; but he never, ever lost the touch of the common man. Countless lives are still with us because of his gifts. Thank you for coming back to your beloved Newberry and helping our community. Lee, Carol, Joseph, Amelia
 
 
#22 June Nelson 2021-02-20 10:02
So sorry for your loss. Always polite when he came to the floor to see his patients. He was a good classmate, and he was an asset to Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Prayers for family. June Nelson, Class of 1954
 
 
#21 Dion L. Franga MD 2021-02-20 09:18
One of the finest and most technically gifted surgeonsI have ever known. Loved his community and loved his trade. He. Will be missed by the Newberry community and State of South Carolina for certain.
 
 
#20 Jewels Oxner 2021-02-19 21:52
Dr Brown was a wonderful person and a very wonderful surgeon, By the grace of God he saved my live. I had emergency surgery over 10 years ago he was so very kind and saw that I had good attention. He will always have a place in my heart. I sent my deepest sympathy to his family Jewel Oxner
 
 
#19 Connie Rinehart 2021-02-19 21:26
I remember John as my friend Sarah’s older brother. I always loved to spend the day at their wonderful house in the country! Lunch at the Brown’s house always ended with a churn of homemade ice cream.

John Brown certainly gave our town and state a better quality of healthcare.
Connie Rinehart (Mrs. Virgil W. Rinehart,Jr.)
 
 
#18 Betty Carter 2021-02-19 20:38
John was a good tenth grade English student of mine, a good doctor and a good friend. I will miss him. My sincere sympathy to all of his family.
Betty Carter (Mrs. Sydney E. Carter)
 
 
#17 Barry Hartman 2021-02-19 19:55
So sorry to hear of Dr Browns passing. He was a great person and very compassionate to all. He along with other medical professionals helped to save me from amputation many years ago! I am forever grateful to him for and everyone for their help! Prayers and Peace be with you all.
 
 
#16 Fred Schott 2021-02-19 19:48
John Brown was the essence of what it means to be a physician. He was a faithful friend and support to many, my family included. We all have been enriched by his presence among us and are impoverished by his passing over. Thank God for what we have received from and through Dr. John Brown, MD.
 
 
#15 Melissa Rice 2021-02-19 19:20
I never had the privilege of meeting Dr. Brown, but I have worked alongside his wonderful daughter Jan for five years. Her anecdotes and stories of him have provided a glimpse of what a wonderful and generous man he was. I see that same warmth and generosity in her every day. My prayers for peace and comfort are with his family and friends.
 
 
#14 Diane Beach Smith 2021-02-19 18:56
I will always be grateful for the years working at Palmetto Surgical Associates along side Dr Brown. He was truly a highly skilled surgeon who cared deeply for his patients, family, staff and friends. I saw first hand his love for surgery and medicine and I learned so much from working with him. Thank you Dr Brown.
My deepest sympathy to his family as you mourn your loss of this wonderful man. Rest well my friend
 
 
#13 Barbara Collins 2021-02-19 18:08
I am sorry for your loss. Dr. Brown was one of the smartest doctors I ever had the pleasure of working with. He was kind and generous. I learned so much from him and I know he truly enjoyed those teachable moments!! He will be greatly missed but always in my heart.
 
 
#12 Ronny & Cindy Morris 2021-02-19 16:49
Dr.Brown was a great Doctor and all around person. Our condolences to all Brown family members.
 
 
#11 Mary MEEKS 2021-02-18 21:01
We are deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Brown’s passing. He was truly a great surgeon. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

Janice & Tommy Meeks
 
 
#10 Lynn black 2021-02-18 19:19
So sorry to hear about dr brown !! You are in my thoughts and prayers
 
 
#9 Donna Hollis Chisolm 2021-02-18 17:58
Dr. Brown was a wonderful person. He gently delivered sad news to many patients and families with much respect and care. He was a wonderful and fair employer, a very special friend, and always showed heartfelt kindness. He will truly be missed.
 
 
#8 Gloria Mitchell 2021-02-18 17:16
Dr.Brown was a true professional in every aspect. February, 2007 he was on call. I had a life threatening situation. On Sunday afternoon emergency surgery was preformed. He told my husband “I can’t promise you anything.” By the Grace of God and his skills I survived. So appreciative for him. Always wanted to have a word about the GAMECOCKS. To his family I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Brown now has time to REST. Thank you for a life well lived.
 
 
#7 Pam Branton 2021-02-18 13:08
John was a wise wonderful man and healer. He has touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. We would like to extend deepest sympathies and some words of comfort from God's Word. When someone you love dies, you are left with much pain and sorrow, but you are not without hope.(Job 14:14,15; John 11:23-25) Knowing you will see your dear loved one again will hopefully bring you some peace and comfort. Our merciful God will also give you strength to endure difficult times such as this. (Psalms 55:22)
 
 
#6 Lynn Riber 2021-02-18 11:55
Dr. Brown was a wonderful doctor. After surgery he worked tirelessly to heal me. I had MRSA and he had me return for months until I was free of it. He literally saved me. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will never be forgotten.
 
 
#5 Billy Gibson 2021-02-18 11:16
Sad to hear about my classmate at Clemson, my surgeon, and my friend. He saved my life. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, John.
 
 
#4 Tara Madray 2021-02-18 10:21
Thank you for your love and compassion to all your patients, staff and colleagues through the years. You were a remarkable & courteous surgeon and man. It was a pleasure to work with you through the years. Prayers for all of the Brown Family.
 
 
#3 Shannon Hendrix 2021-02-18 08:46
Much sympathy to Dr. Brown's family. It was a privilege to learn, work with, and also be a patient of his. Prayers to his home family as well as his work family.
Shannon Hendrix
 
 
#2 Daniel Kinard 2021-02-18 02:14
Many thanks to you sir while you served at the healing hands of our Lord and Saviour on this Earth. I know you saved my life some 20 years ago and I am eternally grateful of giving me these extended years with the help of God. Time to rest from your work now and a well deserved rest it is. Thank you from myself and my family. Danny
 
 
#1 Lisa Shaw 2021-02-17 16:29
So sorry to hear about Dr Brown. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Lee and Lisa Shaw
 
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