J. Lewis Brown

J. Lewis Brown, 91, formerly of Lexington, NC, passed away on Veterans Day, November 11, 2023, at Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville. He was born in Lexington on July 29, 1932 to Lucille Brown and raised by his grandmother, Florence Brown and his aunt, Mary Agner. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Jean Biesecker Brown, who passed away just two months ago. He was also preceded in death by a brother Roy Gandy and brothers-in-law Larry Tesh and Charles “Bobby” Biesecker.

Surviving are his children Lisa Samuel (Joe) of Linville and Larry Brown (Kim), Janet Monk (Rick), and Lynda Currier (Joey), all of Lexington. He leaves behind grandchildren Jordan Samuel (Brittany), Leigh Blaylock (Wes), David Monk, Taylor Currier, Kevin Brown (Jessica), Lauren Currier, Amy Deremer (Chris), Nathan Monk (Allison), and Josh Monk. His surviving siblings include brothers: R.L. Gandy (Kaye) and Harold Gandy (Treva) of Lexington; sisters, Laura Nifong of King and Jeannie Tesh of Lexington and sisters-in-law Dana Gandy of Lexington and Dorcas Biesecker of Midway. Lewis was also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Lewis met the love of his life, Jean Biesecker, at Sheets Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington when they were teenagers. He joined the U.S. Navy at 18 and married Jean at Sheets midway through his military service in 1952. The marriage stood the test of time for 71 years, resulting in four children, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Lewis’ most harrowing experience during his stint in the Navy was riding out Hurricane Hazel aboard the USS Hazelwood in 1954, with the waves so high the water was coming down the stacks. After his service during the Korean War, Lewis worked at several different businesses, but the majority of his career was at PPG, from which he retired. He was a graduate of Ashmore Business College and also became a licensed locksmith, a vocation that he enjoyed because he was able to meet and help so many Lexington residents.

Lewis was active in Masonic Lodge 473 and served as President and District Lieutenant Governor of the Lions Club. Jean and he also volunteered much of their time at Sheets and were active members of Ralph Starr’s Sunday School Class. They together organized and hosted the annual outings to Linville Land Harbor where their class enjoyed sharing stories and great food.

After building a house on High Rock Lake, the family spent countless weekends on the lake with Lewis as the ski instructor, teaching dozens of friends and relatives how to ski. Lewis was also dedicated to his children and grandchildren, rarely missing their sporting events and other activities. In his later years Jean and he enjoyed spending time at their mountain cabin in Linville Land Harbor.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, November 17, 2023 at the Davidson Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Frankie Matthews officiating. The family will see friends one hour prior to the service, with Navy military rites and an entombment following the service at Forest Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Jordan Samuel, David Monk, Taylor Currier, Kevin Brown, Josh Monk, Nathan Monk, Wes Blaylock and Chris Deremer.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the excellent care provided by the staff at Piedmont Crossing and the Hospice staff of Davidson County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Davidson County (200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292) and Wounded Warrior Project (1990 Fordham Drive, Suite 100 Fayetteville, NC 28304).

Davidson Funeral Home Lexington Chapel is serving the Brown family.