Eddie Lee Brown, born November 29th, 1963, went to his heavenly home January 13th, 2023, with his devoted sister Susan and brother-in-law Jamie by his side.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Irene and Clarence Brown, His Maternal grandparents Tally and Willie Whitmire, his Paternal grandparents Bayne and Myrtle Brown, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Eddie is survived by his sister Susan Smith (Jamie); niece, Brooke Smith; nephew Jesse Smith (Makina) and their children (Dre and Oaklynn); Aunt Gail Galloway (D.H.); Uncle Charles Whitmire (Bobbie Jean), numerous cousins, and more friends than you could imagine.

Eddie was a devout Christian and the most honorable, humble child of God that anyone could ever know. He knew no strangers and loved every person he met. Eddie was quick to let people know that he would pray for them and didn't just say it, he meant it. Eddie remembered everything, even small details. He made everyone he encountered feel special and loved.

Eddie's life began as a struggle. He spent months in the Shriner's Hospital in Greenville where he endured treatments that most people would not be able to withstand. We think it was during those times that Eddie began to know the Lord and trust in him. Eddie was about 12 years old when his sister taught him how to walk again. Even with a late start with his education due to his physical disabilities, Eddie attended several Transylvania County Schools and brought joy to all he met.

Eddie never got his driver's license, but he was often seen walking, on a bicycle, or riding a moped on the streets of Rosman. He had a nickname of "Downtown Eddie Brown", given to him by Lori Miller. He loved sitting on his front porch in New Town waving to all who passed. More recently, he could be seen on his side-by-side that he loved. For Christmas, Jamie equipped the side-by-side with lights so Eddie could see in the dark while driving home from church on the dirt road.

Like his father, Eddie loved beagles, rabbit hunting, and fishing. He also enjoyed bear hunting, coon hunting, and camping with his friends and family including Ricky Brown, Randy Searcy, and so many others. Eddie was passionate about praising our Lord and Savior and never missed church. He was often seen sitting in a pew at Amazing Grace Church up to an hour before the church services began. Eddie was very fond of Pastor Breck Landreth and his wife. He loved his church family like his own. Eddie was everyone's "Little Buddy" and influenced all he met in a positive way.

After Eddie's father passed in December 2021, Susan and Jamie brought Eddie into their home. During this time, Susan and Jamie took Eddie to his first college football game, for a ride on the Polar Express train, trips to Pigeon Forge, and many other exciting adventures. Eddie also shared a love of going out to eat and bingo with his Aunt Gail. They were long-time dining companions and bingo buddies. Eddie had another caretaker, Sherry, that would pick Eddie up and take him anywhere he wanted to go. She was a best friend to Eddie and another person that saw the joy, love and goodness that just gleamed out of him.

Eddie loved his niece, Brooke, his nephew Jesse, Jesse's wife MaKina, and their children Dre and Oaklynn with all of his heart. He hugged them every day and told them how special they were. Eddie loved little kids. He never went to bed without telling everyone goodnight, sweet dreams, and I love you. Susan started this "Walton – like" ritual after Eddie moved to their home and it soon became a nightly tradition.

When Eddie knew he needed surgery, his favorite saying was a reference to the gospel song "I'm a Winner Either Way". Eddie was a very special person. He will be forever remembered, loved, and missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will be held 1 PM Friday, January 20. 2023 at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Woodring Cemetery in Tuckasegee.