07/22/2026
On behalf of the Officers and Members of Fries Fire & Rescue, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the members of Elk Creek Fire Department and to the family of Richard William Brown.
Richard’s dedication, service, and commitment to his community will not be forgotten. We are grateful for the sacrifices he made and the legacy he leaves behind.
During this difficult time, may God provide comfort, strength, and peace to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him.
Richard was a charter member of our department. He was part of the team that began organizing the department in 1970 before we were officially chartered in 1971. He served his community for 56 years. Rest in peace, brother.
Richard William Brown, age 79, a life-long member of the Elk Creek Community passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN on the morning of Monday, July 20, 2026. Richard was born in the Elk Creek Community on April 26, 1947, to Clarence William and Vurla Roberts Brown. He served in the auto parts industry working years as owner and operator of an auto parts business. He served the United States Army in the Army Reserves for six years. Richard joined the Elk Creek Fire Department in 1970, faithfully serving as long as his health allowed. He was instrumental in many of the improvements and advances made in the department and was always an advocate for the Fire Department. He was a life-long member of the Lebanon United Methodist Church where he faithfully attended throughout his life. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed being outdoors. While hunting and fishing were treasured pastimes, he especially enjoyed sharing those times with family and friends. He was an avid trail and dirt bike fan in his early years and relented to a side by side which he considered safe enough to enjoy with grandchildren. He was fortunate enough to acquire his grandfather’s farm where he spent many hours working on the farm creating a fishpond and constructing a cabin which were enjoyed by the whole family. Richard worked hard to provide a happy and comfortable home for his family. His love for his wife was unwavering and his attention and dedication to her was a hallmark of his traits. Even in his final hours, his concern was for her rather than himself. The family is deeply saddened by his passing but rejoice in his eternal gain. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Nancy Brown and his nephew, Allen “Tiny” Brown.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Brown of the home; his son, Travis and Crystal Brown of Independence, VA; grandchildren, Dylan Brown (Mary Wissing)of Athens, TX and Kristen Brown (Kameron Allen) of Harrisonburg, VA; brother, Clarence Brown, JR. of Elk Creek; sister, Nancy Sue Muser (Joey) of Galax, VA and Patsy Clark (Jack) of Rural Retreat, VA; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Lewis Phelps of Mouth of Wilson, VA; special friends, Jerry and Wanda Testerman of Elk Creek; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Memorial services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek with Rev. David Osborne officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will follow in the Lebanon Cemetery with honors performed by the Elk Creek Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Elk Creek Fire Department PO Box 36 Elk Creek, VA 24326.
