William Gregory "Greg" Brown

William Gregory (Greg) Brown of Ashburn passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday night, May 9, 2026.

Greg was born at Turner County Hospital on October 1, 1956, to Eddie Carl and Arlene Jones Brown of Ashburn. He grew up in the Dakota community on the family farm. Greg began his education at Mrs. Perry’s kindergarten in the little red schoolhouse and then attended Turner County Schools, graduating from Turner County High School in 1974. While in high school, Greg was an active member of Turner County FFA, serving as an officer, showing livestock, and participating in competitions. He earned the various degrees including his American Farmer Degree in 1977. He later attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Greg knew from a very early age that he wanted to farm and began helping his parents farm by the time he was twelve. His favorite tractor was his first which was a Massey Ferguson 1100. He farmed with his father upon graduation from high school until his father’s passing in 1981 and farmed for over 30 years. Coincidentally, the first farm he rented and farmed on his own belonged to James and Norma Austin who later became his in-laws. He raised hogs and grew melons, cotton, peanuts, soybeans and other row crops. He never missed an opportunity to point out the perfect melon that needed picking in the field and spent hours each summer at the melon market in Cordele. He also helped his girls raise and show sheep with 4H.

Greg then fell in love with his other occupation as a salesman at Southland Ford where he worked until he had to medically retire in 2015. Greg made friends everywhere he went and maintained those friendships throughout his life. His love of talking to others made him a genuine friend to others and also a natural salesman. Greg also loved the thirteen years he drove a school bus for Turner County Schools while farming and working at Southland Ford.

Greg’s favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing, and he was good at both. He had many stories to tell of hunting with his favorite teachers and principal while in high school. He also loved to watch the old westerns on television. He played softball for many years especially with the church leagues, and was usually the pitcher. Greg enjoyed all sports and particularly enjoyed watching UGA football and Atlanta Braves baseball. He was always good at talking on the telephone and giving farming advice to his family members and friends who farmed.

Greg became a Christian at a young age and was a member of Dakota Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon on March 21, 1982. He and his family joined Ashburn First Baptist Church in 1986 where he has faithfully served as a deacon, Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, and on various committees through the years. After his health limited his mobility, Greg spent a great deal of time calling church members to check on them and other people to invite them to church.

Greg dearly loved all of his family but especially his wife of over 44 years, Vickie, and his two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Ashley. He was extremely proud of their accomplishments. Greg supported his daughters as they grew up in their education, athletic and many other activities. He volunteered as a softball and basketball coach with the Turner County Recreation Department, as a member of the Turner County Athletic Boosters and Turner County Band Boosters for several years and was instrumental in doing fundraising for both, and by driving a bus carrying the band members to away games, taking classes on field trips, and teams to sporting events.

Greg was a member of Turner County Farm Bureau and served on the board for many years. He was also an active member of Turner County Young Farmers and the Georgia Young Farmer Association for over 44 years where he served as both a local and state officer. Many of his most cherished memories were the years he served as a State Officer in various positions and especially when he served as State President of GYFA in 1999. Greg was also a member of The Ashburn Rotary Club for several years and served a term as President.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie Jo Austin Brown, daughters and sons-in-law, Jessica Jo Brown Fields and Seth Fields of Athens, and Ashley Rebecca Brown Moore and Aaron Moore of Ashburn. His brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Sandy Brown of Ashburn, his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Larry Malott of Ashburn. His brothers- and sisters-in-law, Darrell and Kay Austin of Cordele, Donna and Ken NeSmith of Sycamore, Alan Austin of Newborn, Janice and Grant York of Jacksonville, Florida, and Bruce and Greta Austin of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also survived by a wealth of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he dearly loved. Greg and his family greatly appreciate the loving care provided by his friend, Keetha Spears. He also leaves behind his three precious fur babies: Roxy, Ruby, and Rosy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Carl and Arlene Brown, his in-laws, James and Norma Austin, a niece, Claire Austin Whiddon, and a nephew, Isaac Benjamin NeSmith.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Ashburn First Baptist Church, with the Reverends Aaron Moore and David Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the sanctuary of Ashburn First Baptist Church.

The pallbearers will be Greg’s nephews: Mitch Malott, Justin Malott, Mackenzie Brown, Aubrey Brown, Kyle Wilkerson, Jay Austin, Waylon NeSmith, and James McHugh.

While flowers will be accepted, for those who wish, please make memorial donations to Ashburn First Baptist Church, 302 McLendon Street, Ashburn, Georgia 31714.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to wonderful members of Turner County EMS and Fire Services who always treated Greg and his family with dignity and compassion.