Brown, David Wayne

David Wayne Brown, 85, of Sebastian, Fla., formerly of Dublin, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013. David, the son of Zenella and Ralph Brown, was raised on a farm in Roanoke County.

While attending Andrew Lewis High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theater on PT boats and various vessels. In 1946, he participated in Operation Crossroads and assisted in the evacuation of natives from Bikini atoll.

David graduated from Concord College & VPI in education. His three decade career as a coach and teacher began at Blacksburg High School before moving to Dublin High School where he enjoyed great success as the head football coach. He became the first football coach of the newly opened Pulaski Co High School, and ended his professional career there in 1987.

David and his loving wife Shirley moved to Sebastian FL where he lived in joyful retirement. “Coach” Brown was known and admired by generations of players, students and fans throughout Southwest Virginia, and received numerous awards for his successes and contributions. Though he also coached wrestling and track, football remained a life-long passion as he avidly followed the Hokies. Besides his family, his other great loves were his dear friends, fishing, and painting. A great story-teller, his vivid narratives could entertain and amuse audiences.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Brown; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Cindy Brown; daughters and sons-in-law, Katherine and David Drury and Ginny and Michael Collins; stepdaughter Rhonda and husband, Dwight Lineberry; grandchildren, Robbie Carden, Sarah Brown, Josh Drury, Matthew Brown, Jesse Lineberry, Jeremy Lineberry; and sister and brother-in-law, Jean Marie and Bernard Talley. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Dublin United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the degree Lee Cook Athletic Scholarship / Pulaski County High School in memory of David Brown.