Eugene Carter "Gene" Brown, 89, of Ethelsville, AL, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his residence. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ethelsville Baptist Church with Bro. Trey Reese officiating and with Bro. Gary Seay overseeing the music. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow immediately following the service in the church cemetery under the direction of Dowdle Funeral Home. 

Gene was born on April 24, 1937 to the late W.G. and Hattie Brown. He graduated from Liberty High School. and retired from AKZO Nobel Chemical in Columbus, MS. He was a faithful member of Ethelsville Church of God.

Gene was known by many names including Daddy, Grandaddy, Mule Man, Pine Knot, but only one mattered when Jesus called him home "a child of God." Although he loved wagon rides, fishing, and spending time with his family, he thrived on sharing the love of Jesus. More important than any work he accomplished was the faith he lived. Gene loved Jesus and made sure his family knew the importance of putting their faith in him. His Christian faith extended into his work ethic and marriage and will leave a lasting impression on his family and all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, WG Brown Sr. and Hattie Augusta Brown; his brother, W.G. Brown Jr.; and son-in-law, Charles West.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mavis Brown; daughters, Linnea Thompson (John), Gale West (loving companion Karl Vail); six grandchildren, Justin Abrams (Crystal), Nathan West (Bethany), Jalynn Gray (Jared), Natasha Fitch (Bubba), Jordy Abrams (Leah), and Jacie Renfroe; 13 great Grandchildren, Taylor, Callie, McKinley, Tyler, Carley, Brinley, Carter, Aubrey, Presley, Ethan, Kimber, Paxton, and J.W.; one great great-grandchild, Laykelyn; and sister-in-law, Shirley Brown.

Pallbearers will be Justin Abrams, Nathan West, Jalynn Gray, Natasha Fitch, Jordy Abrams, and Jacie Renfroe.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Ethelsville Church of God.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Ethelsville Church of God, 3896 Highway 75, Ethelsville, AL  35461.