Bethel Brown

BROWN, Bethel (Judge) Age 83 of Goodlettsville, TN, peacefully slipped into heavenly rest with his family by his side on Friday, September 11, 2009. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Myrtle Brown; grandson, Reed Chamberlain. Survived by his devoted and wonderful wife of 63 years, Mary Lee Ralph Brown; five children, Larry (Cheryl) Brown, Linda (Jimmy) Edwards, Lynette (Terry) Chamberlain, Lesia (Billy) Brown, Lyndon (Jennifer) Brown; twelve grandchildren, Phillip (Nicole) Brown, Allison (Jason) Geer, Grant (Ashley) Edwards, Bethany (Matt) Hudson, Rex Chamberlain, Reece Chamberlain, Ryne Chamberlain, Rob Chamberlain, Tyler Brown, Seth Brown, Katlyn Brown, Hannah Brown; four great grandchildren, Cory Brown, Cara Brown, Hudson Geer and Grady Edwards. Also survived by brothers, Robert (Norma Ruth) Brown, Carl (Maxine) Brown, Aaron (Connie) Brown; sisters, Ethel Lamberth, Ruth (Frank) Pflueger; aunt, Ruby Anderson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Doris Dean, Don and Shirley Ralph, T.W. and Nell Ralph, David and Louise Ralph. Mr. Brown was born and raised in White House, TN. A resident of the Shackle Island Community for 54 years. He was the owner of Brown's T.V. Sales and Services for 24 years. He served eight years as Sumner County Magistrate before being elected County Judge in 1974, serving 8 years. In 1982, he was elected Sumner County Executive, serving 12 years. He retired from Sumner County in 1994 with 28 years of public service. During his term as County Judge/Executive he served 20 years as Chairman of the Board at Sumner Regional Medical Center, helped with the initiation of the Sumner County Enhanced 911 system, the implementation of the Resource Authority, and the construction of many new schools for Sumner County children. He was a member and past chairman of the Greater Nashville Council, Regional Transit Authority, Four Lakes Authority and member of numerous other boards and committees. He was a Mason for 55 years, a member and past Master of the Beech Masonic Lodge, a member of the Scottish Rite and very active in the Gideon Organization. He was always active in his church, serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. He is presently a member of Goodlettsville First Baptist Church. Most importantly, he was a Christian, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The family will receive friends at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville from 1 - 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday and 1 hour prior to service at the church. Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Goodlettsville. Brother Tom Huls will officiate. His Grandsons will serve as Active Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Fishermen's Sunday School Class of Goodlettsville First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Beech Cemetery in Shackle Island. The family would like to express sincere appreciation for wonderful care to Hendersonville/Springfield NHC, with a special thanks to employee Penny Edwards. COLE & GARRETT FUNERAL HOME, Goodlettsville, (615) 859-5231.