Richard Wilson “Rich” Brown, 79, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully at his home on Lake Norman in the arms of his devoted wife. Rich was born in Lumberton, N.C., and adopted by his loving parents, the late Martha Williams Brown and Wilson W. Brown, in 1948. He spent his formative years in Philadelphia, Pa., before embracing the Southern lifestyle he cherished after moving to North Carolina in 1977.
Rich was a dedicated and passionate sales professional. He began his illustrious career with 3M in the Traffic Safety Division, steadily rising through the ranks to become the Southeastern Regional Administrator for Governmental Affairs. As a legislative lobbyist, he played a key role in promoting graphic license plate programs across the Southeastern states, including the development of North Carolina’s first graphic license plate. Rich later joined the Radiator Specialty Company, serving as Vice President of the Traffic Safety Division, where he took great joy in counting the barrels and cones he sold throughout the highways of the United States. A true entrepreneur, he also opened the first Oil Exchange in Raleigh, N.C., and expanded this venture to include a series of car washes in the area.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rich was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed a wide array of activities, including golf, tennis, boating, fly fishing, snow skiing, diving, and playing the piano. His lifelong love for horses was evident as he spent weekends tending to his cutting horses and cattle at his beloved Silver Spur Ranch.
He graduated from Haverford High School in Havertown, Pa., and furthered his education with a track scholarship at Gardner Webb College before receiving a diving scholarship at the University of Tampa. Those who knew Rich recognized his love for life, particularly the moments spent basking in the sun with his toes in the sand.
Rich’s legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Alma W. Brown; daughter, Heather L. Wathey of Loxley, Ala.; sons, Richard G. Brown (Shannon) of Dunnellon, Fla., and Martin Nesbitt (Lisa) of Marion, N.C.; grandchildren, Hayden Wathey, Taylor Nesbitt, and Lexi Brown; and five great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his cherished extended family and friends.
In addition to his adopted parents, he was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth W. Stone; stepbrother, Allen M. Stone Jr.; and granddaughter, Katelyn Brown.
A celebration of Rich’s life will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jon Boling officiating. All are invited to come together to honor his memory and the joyful moments we shared.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville is proudly serving the Brown family. For those wishing to express their condolences, you may do so by visiting www.cavin-cook.com.