Bennie Ray Brown

Bennett "Bennie" Ray Brown, a pillar of strength and kindness, passed peacefully at his home in Corinth, KY on April 6, 2025, after a long illness. Born on August 31, 1941, in Cynthiana, Kentucky, Bennie lived a life rich in love, hard work, and devotion to his family and faith.

For sixteen years, Bennie proudly owned the Dry Ridge Marathon, and he further showcased his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of Brown's Garage & Auto Parts in Cordova, Kentucky. A seasoned mechanic for much of his life, he was also a lifelong farmer, nurturing cattle, tobacco, and hay with joy and pride. Bennie's work ethic exemplified his deep connection to the land, while his engaging personality led him to forge lifelong friendships in the community. He was a man who never met a stranger and was known affectionately to many as “the candy man,” as he delighted in sharing sweets, especially with the young ones.

Bennie was educated at Morgan High School, and it was evident that his thirst for knowledge and experience extended beyond the classroom. His passions were varied; he relished the thrill of traveling to Florida with his beloved wife, Dorothy, and held a special fondness for attending yard sales. The beauty of a vegetable garden captivated him as did the heartfelt strains of bluegrass and gospel music. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, often seen giving his grandchildren rides on his golf cart or scooter, with laughter and love guiding their adventures.

Predeceased by his cherished wife Dorothy, whose loss he grieved daily, Bennie was further mourned by the passing of his daughter, Karen Faye, six brothers, Earl, Harold, Kenneth, Floyd "Buck", Robert "Bob", Clarence "Buz" Brown, four sisters, Pearl Vendler, Anna Marie Colvin, Beulah "Boots" Thompson, Betty Robinson, and dear friend Harold Elliston. His family, however, remained a source of great pride and joy. He is survived by three sons, Gary (Debra) Brown; Steven (Bobbie) Brown; Jamie Brown; four daughters, Tammy (Larry) Phillips; Jeanette (Mark) Henson; Angie (Barry) Foster and Leslie (Leighton) Riddle. He leaves behind a sister, Jeanie (Junior) Kinman, alongside sixteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren and dear friend, Dale Cross, who will forever carry his spirit in their hearts. Bringing much companionship to his later years were his four beloved pet dogs: Biscuit, Faith, Casper, and Tex.

While Bennie's life was marked by many achievements, perhaps his proudest accomplishment was his unwavering faith. A deeply religious man, he cherished his Lord and Savior, serving as an embodiment of devotion and grace.

Bennie's legacy will be honored with a visitation at the Elliston - Stanley Funeral Home in Williamstown, KY on April 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service to celebrate his remarkable life will take place on April 11, 2025, at Riverview Baptist Church in Berry, Kentucky, beginning at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest next to his lovely wife Dorothy, at the Pythian Grove Cemetery in Berry, KY.   Pastor Gary Wayne Oaks, Jr. will be officiating all services.

He may have departed this earthly realm, but his spirit, characterized by kindness, generosity, and love, will live on through all who knew him. As we gather to remember Bennie, we are reminded of the incredible impact one can have on the lives of others, and we find solace in the memories that will endure for generations to come.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Bluegrass, 51 Cavalier Blvd., Ste 200, Florence, KY 41042 or Riverview Baptist Church, 831 Durbintown Rd., Berry, KY 41003.