Reid Dobbs Brown

Reid Dobbs Brown passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to his Lord, his family, his students and staff, and his community. The impact he made through his service as an educator, funeral home worker, church and community member, and father will be felt for generations. Reid was born on June 19, 1934, in Gainesville, Georgia, to Ernest and Bonnie Brown, the sixth of their seven children. The family moved to Marietta in March of 1941 where Reid completed first grade at Waterman Street School. He attended Osborne School from second grade through high school, drawing inspiration from then-Principal Robert L. Osborne and Assistant Principal Bill Dowell in his later career as a principal. Reid’s lifelong passion for sharing stories and connecting with people began at a young age. At age nine, Reid started delivering the Marietta Journal. During high school, he worked at a grocery store in Fair Oaks. After high school, Reid graduated Campbellsville (KY) Junior College (now Campbellsville University) and Carson Newman College (TN). During this time, he also served in the U.S. Army for two years (1957-1959) where he was an instructor in the Basic Army Administration Course at Fort Jackson, SC. Committed to continuing his education, he then completed his Masters and his Educational Specialist degrees at the University of Georgia. Reid worked with Marietta City Schools for 35 years, serving as a mathematics teacher for 7 years and an elementary school principal for 28 years, first as principal at Waterman Street School, and then as principal at West Side School, serving 22 years there before he retired. He believed in high standards and created a culture of excellence wherever he worked. Retirement did not slow him down. He first worked as interim principal at Eastside Christian School, and then then found a home for many years at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, continuing to support many of the families he had served in his educational career. He was a charter member of the Marietta Golden K Kiwanis club (now the Kiwanis Club of Lost Mountain) and contributed on the Board of Directors as Vice-President, chairman of the Membership Committee, and chairman of the Scholarship Committee. In addition, he was a longtime volunteer in the Terrific Kids program and had the privilege of sponsoring over 25 new members during his time in Kiwanis. Reid was an active member at First Baptist Church of Marietta, where he was named a life deacon, and he was proud to support the church in many roles as needed. He also served on the Steering Committee for the West Cobb Senior Center, the Advisory Board for Cobb Senior Services, the Board of Directors of the Marietta Schools Foundation, and the Supervisory Committee and Board of Directors of the Credit Union of Georgia. Throughout his life, Reid remained committed to his wife of 66 years, Annette, and his large and close-knit family, giving his time generously to his siblings, nieces and nephews, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His dedication to family and fellowship was a cornerstone of his life, reflecting his belief in the enduring strength and joy found in these connections. Reid's legacy is defined by his love for others, and his passion for sharing Jesus. He embraced people from all walks of life and continued to uplift those around him, even in his final months at assisted living, where he encouraged residents and staff and sent many uplifting cards and messages to those in his community. In recent days, the family has been comforted by numerous stories of Reid's kindness, service, and support. Reid is survived by sons, David Brown, Tim Brown (Karen); daughter, Melody Hess (Scott); grandchildren, Courtney (Pearson), Jessica, Ryan, Matthew, and Rebecca, and great grandsons, Ryder, Nash, and Oliver. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Parsons, several nieces, nephews, and extended family. Reid is predeceased by his loving wife, Annette Smith Brown, who he was married to for 66 years. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 20th at the Marietta First Baptist Church Sanctuary. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday evening at the Mayes Ward Dobbins Marietta funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Marietta Schools Foundation, 144 Polk Street, Marietta, GA 30064 through this direct link: In Memory of Reid D. Brown: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=tcs&formId=9f4b1310-e1a6-4c62-aca2-e3dccc7c9e1a&envid=p-jOOpQA9vekOGec5xXWLODA&zone=usa&utm_source=qr_code

Reid Dobbs Brown

June 9, 1934 - August 13, 2024