Dr. John W. Brown, Sr.

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.