Terry Brown (12-9-13) service 12-12-13

Terry “Po” Brown of Smyrna, Tennessee, peacefully departed this life on Monday, Dec. 9, at the age of 58 years, 4 weeks, and 4 days. Po was born on Monday, November 7, 1955, in Corinth, Miss., to parents Sammy Brown and the late Jo Ann Ross. Growing up in River Heights and Shiloh, he was an energetic and outgoing child who, by all accounts, gave true meaning to the phrase, “boys will be boys.” Barely a teenager, he began working alongside his mother, cooking and bussing tables at the family owned restaurant, River Heights Hotel.

The beginning of a strong work ethic that would literally last a lifetime. Graduating from Hardin County High School in the spring of 1973, Po immediately enlisted in the United States Army serving three years as a “Screaming Eagle” with the 101st Airborne. In the fall of 1976, he was honorably discharged as an E-5 Sergeant. He began working in the construction industry operating heavy equipment. Po traveled and worked all over the southeast for 25 years, highly skilled and well respected in his field.

United in marriage on August 4, 1977, to Stella Bryant, his life truly began. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he would spend almost four decades devoted to the life and family they built together. Po enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes throughout his life, but his love for the outdoors always remained. The last ten years of hunting and fishing were happily replaced by planting flowers and plants with his wife, and picnicking with his granddaughters.

Po was a selfless man who spent most of his time thinking of those around him. The love, patience, honor, and chivalry he possessed was remarkable and unwavering. His presence will be felt in countless lives for many years to come.

Po is survived by his wife, Stella Brown of Smyrna; son, Charlie Brown and wife, Susan of Nashville; daughter, Danielle Bearden and husband, Will of Nashville; two granddaughters, Caroline Grace Brown and Alaina Carter Bearden; stepfather, George Ross of Jackson; father, Sammy Brown and wife, Faye of Adamsville; two sisters, Jan Brown of Shiloh, and Sammie Joe Hardy and husband, Ricky of Henderson; two nieces, Samantha and Shelby Hardy, both of Henderson; two aunts, Mary Ruth Driskel of Shiloh, and Jeannie Sloan of Crump; two uncles, Terry Rickman of Maryville, and C.D. Rickman of Shiloh.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jo Ann Ross of Savannah.

Services were held on Dec. 12, at Shiloh Methodist Church in Shiloh with Frank Williams officiating. Burial followed at Shady Grove Cemetery in Shiloh.