Robert "Dale" Brown of Hillsville, VA was born in Galax on December 8, 1939, to Dilver and Stella Payne Brown.  He died on May 27, 2024 unexpectedly at his home.

He spent his teenage years in Hermiston, Oregon and resided there until he joined the United States Air Force after graduating high school.  He served until he was honorably discharged on November 4, 1965.  After leaving the USAF, Dale married Mary Ruth Montgomery and made their home on her family's farm in Hillsville, VA.

Dale loved the Lord, his family, hunting, woodworking, and notably, helping others.  He farmed for many years and spent a lot of time passing along his farming ingenuity to his grandchildren.  He taught many how to fish, hunt, shoot guns, and gave them skills to survive in the great outdoors.  If he was not outside working, he was woodworking on surprise projects to give to those he cared about.  Even at 84, he still found ways to help others and make their day.

Once he and Mary retried, they formed a special bond with their great-granddaughter, Alhana.  Dale prided himself on being a "fun papa" and found something different to do with her every day she was there.  He taught her to love and respect nature and every creature in it, even the food sources.  They made friends with all of the farm critters, especially the bunnies that still come to his porch waiting for fruit and a good story before scampering away.  He will be sorely missed by all.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Mary; two daughters, Debbie White and Janet Evans (Jeff); sister, Marylou Davis; brother, Duane Brown; grandchildren, Aaron Evans (Joy), Ashley Burnette (Caleb), Charity Moize (Sam), Crystal Alley (Cody Arrington), Kim Lane (John); several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of others that he considered to be family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edith Blankenship; and brothers, Frank Brown, Lavonne Brown, Maynard Brown, and Merle Brown.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jeff Evans officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardner Memorial Cemetery.  Military rites will be conducted by the Grayson County VFW Post 7726.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 until 11:00 AM.  Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.