Gene Wright Brown

December 3, 1928 - December 16, 2020

Gene Brown, age 92 of Gallatin, passed away December 16, 2020 surrounded by his family. Gene was born on December 3, 1928 in Westmoreland, TN, to Scott Earl Brown and Bertha Meador Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, S. Earl and Bertha Brown, sister and brother-in- law Marion Doug and H.G. Kirby, sister-in- law, Rose Brown, sister-in-law and brother-in- law Doris and J.B. Gregory, and brother- in-law Haward Arrington. Mr. Brown is survived by his loving wife Kathryn "Jean" Suddarth Brown, children Sherry (Mack) Bentley, Mark (Sheila) Brown, Vivian Brown Layman, and Mike (Rachel) Brown; grandchildren John Bentley, Brian (Val) Bentley, Rachael (Nick) Spangler, Matt (Katherine) Layman, Rhett (Sara) Layman, Elizabeth (Lance) Wright, and Claire (Greg) Scott; great-grandchildren Patrick, Andrew, Ella, and Matthew Bentley, Owen and Collins Spangler, Rebecca and Caroline Layman, Connor Wright, James Scott, and Charlie Layman; brothers, Joe (Barbara) Brown and David Brown; sister, Freida (Allen) Crowe; and sister-in-law, Dean Arrington. He is also survived by a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends. Mr. Brown was born and raised in Westmoreland, TN. He grew up working in farming, construction, and the lumber mills. He graduated from Westmoreland High School in 1947, and then attended Cumberland University. In 1950 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was assigned to Otis Air Force Base at Cape Cod, MA, and was trained as an Air Operation Specialist 27170, where he worked in the control tower and flight center, relaying flight plans to the East Coast Tracking Center. In 1952, he was assigned to TAC Control at Chuncheon, Korea. In 1953, he returned to Boling AF Base in Washington DC, and later to the 314th Troop Carrier at Stewart AFB in Smyrna, TN. He was honorably discharged in 1954. During his service, Gene was awarded the United Nations Medal, the Korean Services Medal, the American Defenses Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1955, Mr. Brown entered Middle Tennessee State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree, and an additional fifty hours of advanced work in education. Mr. Brown taught at the Elementary and High School levels, and became a High School Principal. He was elected Superintendent of Sumner County Schools in 1968, and served in this office until 1976, when he decided to not run for elected office. During his term as superintendent, Mr. Brown oversaw the exploding population of students into a school system with little space to put them. He also oversaw the smooth transition of the Sumner County School System from segregation to integration, under the 1964 Civil Rights Act and federal mandate. Mr. Brown was responsible for a comprehensive building program, which included Hendersonville High School, Merrol Hyde Building, Beech Complex, Hunter Building, White House High School, Greater Gallatin High School, and purchasing land for the new Howard School. The school system grew from approximately 12,500 to 18,500 students during Mr. Browns term as Superintendent. He retired from the Sumner County School System in 1983. After retirement, Mr. Brown enjoyed spending time traveling, and relaxing with his family at their cabin on the Cumberland river. Gene and his wife Kathryn, have been members of Lambuth United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, and he professed salvation in Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. Due to the current COVID pandemic, a private family graveside service will be held at Sumner Memorial Gardens in Gallatin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gene W. Brown Elementary School Memorial Fund at Reliant Bank, 425 East Main Street or 1204 Nashville Pike in Gallatin. Arrangements Entrusted To: Sumner Funeral & Cremation, Gallatin (615)452-9059 www.sumnerfuneral.com