Michael Brown

Michael Brown, 74, of Welch, West Virginia, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at his residence surrounded by loved ones. Born October 9, 1951, he was the son of the late Elwood Brown and Geneva Grego Brown. Mike was a native of McDowell County and proud to call West Virginia his home. Mike was currently employed at The Douglas Mortuary and will be greatly missed for his long-term commitment and dedication. He was a 1970 graduate of Welch High School. He had become a volunteer firefighter at the age of fifteen for the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department. During his tenure as a dedicated volunteer firefighter, he served 16 years as Chief. Mike was also an actor in Jean Battlo’s Terror of the Tug which was a theatrical play and reenactment of the historical coal wars and conflicts in southern West Virginia. He performed at the McArts Amphitheatre, McDowell County Courthouse, and Pipestem Resort Amphitheatre throughout the years. Mike loved the outdoors and enjoyed riding 4 wheelers on trails and throughout the mountains. Mike’s love for God was evident in all that he did and there wasn’t a person he wouldn’t help if they were in need. He enjoyed attending church services and looked forward to the sermons each and every time. You could find him at the North Welch Church of God, Welch Church of God at Maitland Circle, and Trinity Temple throughout his years of worshipping the lord. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Wanda Chapman Brown of Welch; one daughter, Christie Michelle Hernandez of Welch, WV; one son Robert Michael Brown (Monica) of Ericeira, Portugal; one brother James E. Brown (Sharon) of Summerville, SC; five grandchildren Ples John Breazeale IV, Allissa Genevieve (Breazeale) Crooks; Tiago Andrade Dos Santos, Juan Michael Hernandez and Christopher David Hernandez; and one great grandchild Grey Michael John Breazeale. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 6, 2026 at Houston United Methodist Church in Kimball, WV. The visitation will be at 11:00am with the funeral following at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in the Mausoleum. Reverend Scott Long, Bishop T.E. Akers, and Pastor Dan Pruitt will be officiating. Pallbearers will be members of the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers are all McDowell County Firemen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department and McDowell County Humane Society. The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com

Michael Brown

October 9, 1951 - July 1, 2026