October 10, 2021
Earlie Ray Brown, son of the late Willie B. Brown and Gettie Mae Alford, was born in Scotland County, North Carolina, on April 29, 1952. He answered the Master’s call on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at his home in Rowland, North Carolina.
Earlie Ray was educated in the Robeson County Public School System. He graduated from Rowland High School in 1971. He went on to complete some college-level courses at what is now known as Robeson Community College. Earlie Ray was joined in holy matrimony with Linda McInnis in South Carolina on May 5, 1988. He was a member and chairmen of St. Luke United Methodist Church, Hamer, SC. He also enjoyed singing in the choir. His favorite pastimes were sowing a garden, fishing, and watching cowboys. He was a Mason – Olive Branch Lodge 93.
Earlie Ray was a very special friend to many. He was affectionately known as Earlie Ray or Mr. Brown. He was always joking and making people laugh about something. He had a few mottos that he said regularly. After conversing with Earlie, he would say, “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!” I believe we all had our interpretations, but we all knew what it meant. He would also say, “From A to Z, there will never be another like me.” Lastly, he would say, “Earlie Ray Brown is the only one in town. If there is another, he is a phony.”
Earlie Ray was preceded in death by his father: Willie B. Brown; mother: Gettie Mae Brown; two brothers: James Harrison Brown and Angelo Brown.
Earlie Ray leaves to cherish his memories – his devoted wife: Linda Joyce Brown; his son: Christopher Ray McInnis of Maxton, NC; his daughters: Ericka McInnis of Laurinburg, NC and Chenelle McInnis of Durham, NC; and his grandchildren: Nashon Gales and Jasmine McInnis of Laurinburg, NC and Matthew Quinerly of Durham, NC; his twin sister: Pearly (Isiah) Chisholm of Charlotte, NC; sisters: Sarah (Troy) Thompson of Rowland, NC; Fannie Blue of Rowland, NC, and brother: Collie B. (Annie Lou) Brown of Rowland, NC; a very special aunt: Victoria Brown Bullard of Laurinburg, NC; five nephews and three nieces; a host of great-nieces, nephews, and cousins, other relatives, and friends.
