David Brown

John David Brown, age 61, of Walnut, Mississippi, passed away on March 19, 2024. He was born on November 17, 1962, in Hardeman County, TN. David was a dedicated employee at ThyssenKrupp Elevator Manufacturing. He was also a member of the Walnut Fire Department where he served his community for many years as a certified firefighter, first responder, and volunteer fire chief. Most will never know the endless hours, blood, sweat, and tears shed by “Daddy Dave” for our department and his community. David would work a full-time job only to go straight to the fire department working again until late into the night doing whatever needed to be done. Being too weak to physically help during the most recent storm, his strong voice could still be heard coming across the radio saying, “guys this is Dave, I wish I could be there with y’all, but I have a map, pen and paper. I’m marking the road numbers.” Too sick to even leave the house, yet he was still giving…that was David Brown. David enjoyed spending time with his son, fishing, hunting, raising cattle, trail riding, and horse riding. He especially enjoyed spending time with his precious grandkids. He was a man of many talents and passions.

David is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Vannessa Rich Brown; his son, William David Brown (Dana); and a host of grandchildren, including Eli Brown (Emma), Cade Brown, Brantley Brown, Adalynn Brown, Jacie Williams, Clayton Williams, Isabella Williams, Cason Williams, and Caleb Foster.  Also left to cherish his memory are two brothers, Dennis Brown (Shirley) and Robert Brown; three sisters, Rosemary Shields (Franklin), Diane Jackson (Joey), and Brenda Shields (Nathan); and a special cousin and friend, Phillip Flake. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy William Brown, his mother, Irene McKelvey Brown Rogers, and his stepfather, Johnny Rogers.

Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, Mississippi is entrusted with arrangements. A visitation will be held at Theo Holiness Church on Friday, March 22, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and will continue on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until service time. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 23, at 3:00 p.m., with burial in Union Cemetery in Chalybeate, MS. Pallbearers include Roy Brown, Kenny Brown, Clay Brown, Deaton Brown, Jody Jackson, Jon Jackson and Justin Morphis. Honorary pallbearers include Terry Mathis, Phillip Bates, Phillip Flake, Kenneth Britt, and the members of the Walnut Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials may be made to the Walnut Volunteer Fire Department or to The Bridge at Burnsville Building Fund. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.

David will be deeply missed by all who knew him. It is time to rest WFD 6 …