Masil Edmond Brown, of Elk Creek, Va., passed away on May 13, 2024, in his home at the age of 87. As one of 14, he was born into a large family on August 1, 1936, in Rochester, Vermont. Masil's early life was dedicated to the family farm and hunting Vermont's large Whitetail Deer with family and friends. Masil also loved carpentry and woodworking and never once was there an idle moment that he wasn't working on a project or something that required fixing around his homestead. His family always came first, and he cherished any opportunity to celebrate an occasion with a cookout and walk in the forest complete with baked beans and a good 'hamburg'. Such moments were all that was necessary to make him happy.

Eventually Masil moved his family to follow his parents to Umatilla, Fla., where they lived for many years as he built multiple businesses.

After his parent's death, the family settled into the temperate climate of the Elk Creek valley in Grayson County to be closer to family in Vermont and retire to his trucking company. It didn't take long for Masil to adjust to local life as he never met a stranger and could talk easily and comfortably with anyone. He was known for his ability to tell a story and paint it with such color and detail that none could be forgotten. His work ethic, his belief that a man was only as good as his word, and his continual willingness to help anyone in need will be remembered by all who knew him.

Masil was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo and Dorothy Brown of Umatilla, Fla.; brothers, Richmond Brown, Dale Brown, and Bruce Brown; sisters, Earlene Martell, Myrtle Twitchell, and Betty Brown; and son-in-law, Joseph Marshall.

In the wake of what was a fulfilling and admirable life, Masil leaves his wife of 68 years, Leah Brown; son, Larry Brown; daughters, Patty Marshall and Deborah Porter and husband, Jacob; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Francis Brown and Lorenzo Brown Jr.; and sisters, Dorothy Whitney, Sandy Whitney, Beverly Dugan, Janet Poe and Joyce Twitchell.

At this time, arrangements include a limited family gathering. Everyone who knew Masil is asked to think of, remember him fondly, and perhaps pass on one of his stories.