Lawton Easdus Brown, Jr.

Magnolia--Lawton Easdus (L. E.) Brown, Jr. 80, passed away during the early evening of Sunday, January 16, 2022. Born on April 2, 1941, he was the son of the late Lawton Easdus Brown, Sr. and Ruth Kissner Brown. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Susan Brown Stroud and Nellia Faye Brown Usher Simmons.

​After graduating from East Carolina College, he served in the North Carolina National Guard. He was employed many years by J. P. Stevens Company in Wallace. One of his greatest joys was writing. He was a staff writer for several newspapers and retired in 2007 from The Sampson Independent in Clinton, NC.

After retirement, he continued to write part time for The Duplin Times in Kenansville, NC. He especially enjoyed writing stories about World War II and Vietnam Veterans.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rita Baker Brown of the home; two sons, Richard Lawton (Richie) Brown and wife Tina of Hampstead, NC, and Andrew Jacob (Andy) Brown of Long Beach, CA; three granddaughters, Natalie Ann Brown, Mollie Victoria Brown, and Carrie Michelle Brown, all of Hampstead, NC; three sisters Emma Catherine Brown Usher of Wallace, NC, Hilda Grey Brown Fowler and husband Donald of Zebulon, and Patsy Ruth Brown Olive of New Hill, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service will be held to honor his memory on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 11:00 am at Magnolia Baptist Church, Magnolia, NC officiated by Rev. Ricky Nelson Wood. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am at the church. Burial will follow the service in Golden Grove Cemetery, Kenansville, NC.

The family will receive friends at other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you consider donations to Magnolia Baptist Church. Please wear a mask if you will feel more comfortable.

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