Bro. Bill Brown

Dr. William Raymond (Bill) Brown of Morrilton, Arkansas left his earthly home on May 29, 2018. He was 85. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Brown of Morrilton, and his brother, James Brown of Little Rock. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Letha Deaver Jackson Brown, their children, Karen Brown Ratliff of Jacksonville, Eddie Jackson and his wife, Jennifer, of Nixa, MO, David Brown and his wife, Denise, of Elko, Nevada, Linnea Brown Udochi and her husband, Ben, of Conway, Tim Jackson of Morrilton, William "Ray" Brown of Bentonville, and Melissa Jackson Hayes and her husband, Roger, of Morrilton, twenty-two grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was born May 20, 1933 in Morrilton, Arkansas to Raymond and Dorothy Brown. He graduated from Morrilton High School and from Ouachita Baptist University. He continued his studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and later earned his Doctor of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary. Bill Brown's greatest achievement was his work to advance the cause of Christ. He knew Jesus intimately, studied the Bible diligently, and taught God's truth with conviction, wisdom, and love. Bill served as pastor all over the state of Arkansas throughout nearly seven decades, including churches in Bigelow, Plumerville, Crossett, Jacksonville, and Morrilton. He preached countless revivals all over the country, and tirelessly visited hospitals and the sick. He served as chaplain for the Arkansas State Legislature. For over thirty years he held weekly church services at Petit Jean State Park for campers. He wrote weekly articles for the local paper, and in recent years developed a Facebook ministry through which he wrote and posted daily devotionals that were read and shared by countless thousands all over the globe. Bill gave his entire life to the service of the gospel and people. Bill was a man of many interests and talents. He loved music, and was a talented singer. He was an excellent and lifelong athlete, and never met a sport he couldn't play. He enjoyed hunting and fishing on his property near Perryville. He and his wife, Letha, enjoyed yearly trips to Durango, CO and Navarre, FL to marvel at the beauty of God's creation. Nothing thrilled him more than spending time with his many children and grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor, and loved laughing and sharing stories with family and friends. His life was marked by the way he loved all people. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 1, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Morrilton First Baptist Church, 200 East Church Street, Morrilton, Arkansas with Pastor David Brown officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Morrilton. Visitation will be held at Harris Funeral Home, 1325 Oak Street in Morrilton on Thursday evening May 31, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Special thanks to the nursing staff in the CCICU of Baptist Hospital. To Watch Funeral Live on Friday, June 1, click here: www.livestream.com/fbcmorrilton/brownmemorial

Bro. Bill Brown

May 20, 1933 - May 29, 2018