Ralph W. Brown, lovingly known by many as "The Elk Creek Mayor," passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Woltz Hospice House in Dobson, NC. Ralph was born on December 13, 1942, in Elk Creek, VA, to the late James and Nancy Thomas Brown.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Judy Arduin and Jean Brown Wager, as well as a half-brother.

Ralph was one of the hardest-working men one would ever meet. Twenty-one Grocery in Elk Creek VA, was his "office." He could be found picking up odd jobs around Elk Creek, often helping out wherever needed. He didn't believe in eating while on a job….he said he was paid to be working not eating. He didn't believe a day should be wasted on lying around. He felt that work wouldn't just come to him; he would get up and go out and find it.

He never met a stranger, and he had a nickname for just about everyone he ever met. Ralph's pride and joy was his wife. He swore she could do miracles and was quick to tell anyone who'd listen that she was "the best wife in the world." He'd say, "I tell everybody about you, 'D'. "

Surviving is his loving wife, Brenda Joyce Reeves Brown, of the home; his special daughter Teresa Stone Trivett (husband Douglas Trivett Jr.) of Statesville, NC; son Rodney Cline and wife Michelle of California; very special close nephews, Ron Brown and Nick Arduin; sisters Bonnie Elliott and Mark of Elk Creek, VA, Geneva Parsons and Ronald of Elk Creek, VA,  and Shirley Phipps and Gary; one half-brother, Jeff Brown of California; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive; Ralph also leaves behind many special friends, including his longtime co-worker and dear friend Tony Adams—whom he thought of as a son.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00 noon with Rev. Johnny Johnson, Rev. Tim Crockett, and Rev. Alan Graham officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Flowers will be appreciated or memorials my be made to the family c/o Brenda Brown 386 Hunters Lane, Elk Creek, VA 24326.

Reins- Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Brown family.