Mel Brown

Melvin E. Brown, age 66 of Cookeville, passed away peacefully Saturday morning August 28, 2021 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 13, 1954, in Cookeville to both the late Melvin L. Brown and Katherine Watson Brown. Mel graduated from Putnam County Senior High in 1973. He and his family shared a love of sports, especially Cavalier football which he continued to support as a leading member of the alumni association. He was a key member of the committee which named the Cavalier stadium after his grandfather Eddie Watson in 1995. After high school, Mel graduated from Florida State University. Mel spent the majority of his career as a sales executive at Blue Cross Blue Shield prior to his retirement in 2011. Mel was particularly proud of his family. Family time made him happiest, especially lunch dates with his wife, supporting his daughters' pursuits, golf outings with his mother, and spending time with his three grandchildren. His family includes his wife of 40 years, Reggie Brown, whom he married on March 31,1981, in Cookeville; two daughters, Carrie (Cameron) Brown-Jones of Cookeville, Catie (Ian) Bland of West Palm Beach, FL; two brothers, Watson (Brenda) Brown of Cookeville, Mack (Sally) Brown of Chapel Hill, NC; and three grandchildren, Connor Melvin Jones, Lincoln Michael Bland, and Adalynn Katherine Bland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Eddie "Jelly" Watson and Mary Ellen Watson. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland First Presbyterian Church, 565 East 10th St. Cookeville, TN 38501 or TTU Foundation, Katherine Brown Endowment, P.O. Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements: (931) 526-6111. Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.