Ernest Dean Brown

Ernest Dean Brown, 79, of Lenoir, went to be with the Lord Monday December 9, 2024. Born to the late Minnie and Marshall Brown of Lenoir on September 24, 1945.

He is survived by his daughter’s Lisa Miller and husband Danny of Hickory; Deanena Huerta and husband Martin of Lenoir; granddaughter Kristy Dye and Husband Dylan of Gastonia; and girlfriend, Lynn Bobbett.

He was captain of his Gamewell High School basketball team and his love for basketball never left. He was passionate about his Tarheels and never missed watching a game. He was also passionate about tennis and played often up until his late 60’s. He loved watching sports. He was a natural athlete and loved all things fitness related. He opened and operated The Ultimate Workout Gym in Whitnel for years. After closing, he continued to train people at his home.

Dean was a very successful businessman. He sold insurance for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC for over 40 years. He took pride in his business and absolutely loved all of his clients.

His most proud title was Daddy and PawPaw to his two daughters and granddaughter. He loved to spoil his girls anyway he could.

He was famous to his friends and family for his special recipe for baby back ribs. If you knew Dean, you loved those ribs. He took pride in cooking for others.

To know him, was to love him. You could never leave his presence without a laugh because he always had a joke to tell.

One of his greatest loves was each of his Dogs. Over the years he had many Bearded Collies that he took everywhere with him. He also had a boxer bull dog, and most recently a Jack Russel mix that was his pride and joy, LS.

A Memorial Service for Dean will be held at Crossroads Community Church at a later date.