Howard Lee Brown, Sr.

September 9, 1940 - March 11, 2021

Howard Lee Brown, Sr., 80, of Roanoke, passed away on March 11, 2021 in his daughter’s arms and straight into Jesus’ arms. He was married to the love of his life, Shirley for over forty years until the good Lord called her home in 2005. Shirley had his heart so Howard was content living the rest of his life with his family around him. Howard was raised in Bedford County as a farm boy and then moved to Roanoke with his wife. He was a dedicated, loyal, honest, faithful man that loved unconditionally and stood on integrity. His beautiful soul shined through his million-dollar smile. He had a sense of humor and an adventurous heart. He took much pride in everything he did on this earth. He loved to ride his motorcycle, drive his Ford mustang and truck. He kept them sparkling clean. He worked at the Vinton Weaving Mill for forty years and then retired to spend more time with his loving wife and family. Quality time with family and friends was a must… everything from beach vacations, camping trips, a game of 500 Rummy, making homemade chocolate ice cream to just hanging out at home and so much more. He was definitely a dog lover and loved having other animals around. Howard decided in October 2019 to give his heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He then celebrated his new birth with his family and friends through baptism the following month at Fellowship Community Church. His smile became even brighter! He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Brown; daughter, Cindy Wheeler, and parents, John and Rowena Brown.
Surviving family includes his daughter, Tiphanie Rasnick; and special son-in-law, Allen, son, Howard Lee Brown, Jr.; grandchildren, Katelyn Jones, Jamie Witt, Jamie Wheeler, Jordin Wheeler, Jonathan Brown, and Jacob Brown; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Hicks, Bralyn Fink, Maverick Wheeler, and Parker Gravely; brother, Eugene Brown and wife, Brenda; sisters, Joyce Ayers, Sharon Bowles and husband, Mike, Sue Lynch and special brother-in-law, Doug, and Pat Kyle, and special sister-in-law, Barbara Ann Reed and husband, Jerry.
The family would like to give a BIG thank you to their extended family, Good Samaritan Hospice and South Roanoke Nursing Home who was a huge impact on helping with his quality of life. They are forever grateful!
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the Lotz Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Pastor Ken Kienke officiating. Interment will follow in Williams-Beckner Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM prior to the service. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton.