Lonnie Alvin Brown, 80, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017, in his home after a lengthy illness.  Alvin married his dedicated and loving wife, Billie Sue Sullivan, on November 4, 1994.  Prior to marrying Billie, Alvin served in the United States Air Force stationed in several locations, including two combat tours in Vietnam.

Alvin was born April 5, 1936, in Dry Creek, Clay County, Tennessee, where he spent his childhood.  He attended school at Arcot Elementary School, Pine Hill Elementary and attended Celina High School.  Shortly after high school Alvin enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Alvin enlisted on July 18, 1955 and retired from the United States Air Force in February 1979, after completing 22 years of dedicated and honorable service.  While in the U.S. Air Force, Alvin was stationed in several foreign and domestic duty stations.  During his service, Alvin earned several awards and accommodations, which include, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Medal.

After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Alvin worked as a military contractor for the United States Government and returned to Clay County, Tennessee, in 1986.  During his retirement, Alvin opened several small businesses, was very active in the community and a member of the Celina Church of Christ.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the Upton-Hay Funeral Home.  Kenny Westmoreland will officate and interment will follow in the McColgan Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Upton-Hay Funeral Home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until time of the service.

Alvin leaves his wife, Billie Sue Brown; son Lonnie E. Brown and his wife Shohini Sinha; son Devrim J. Brown and his wife Kindle; daughter Teresa Maxey and her husband Richard; grandchildren, Sarah (Jay); Christopher; Leighton; Samuel; Paul (Leana); Trina; Angela (Richard); William (Jessica); Jared; Caleb; Catie; several great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister Nelda Clements and her husband Mickey; sister Daisy Renodin; sister Nettie “Squeaky” Louise Cart and her husband Calvin; brother David Brown and his wife Linda; brother-in-law Philip Strong and many loving nieces and nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by his son, Brian Coomer; mother Ada Short-Brown; father Cordell Brown; sister Anna Brown (Strong); William “Rusty” Brown; and brother-in-law Eugene Renodin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate to the McColgan Cemetery, Celina, TN.

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