Wayne Ambrose Brown

Wayne Ambrose Brown, 90, of Nashville, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. He was born in Nashville on May 9, 1934, to the late William Arthur and Emma Katherine Arnold Brown. Dr. Brown graduated from Bellevue High School and went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and PhD from Vanderbilt University. Following his time working for NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, Wayne moved back to Nashville to work at National Life Insurance and IBM. He then went to work for Vanderbilt University where he went on to be the Director for Data Processing for 20 years. During his career at Vanderbilt, he taught math and physics. His true love for teaching allowed him to teach thousands of students from various colleges and universities including Vanderbilt University, Volunteer State, UT Nashville, Fisk, Nashville Tech, and University of Phoenix. In his earlier days, Wayne was a talented musician and even played on the Opry as a guitarist. It wasn’t until he was in his late 40s that Wayne began running marathons. Over the next 30 years, Wayne would go on to run 30 separate marathons into his early 80s. Wayne and his wife, Shirley, were founding members of Covenant Baptist Church on McCrory Lane. It was there that Wayne taught Sunday School until his mid-80s. Wayne was the sweetest and kindest man. He was a devoted husband, loving father and brother, and beloved Pop Pop.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his son, Mitchell Shane Brown; and brother, William “Homer” Brown.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley Shane Brown; son, Andy (Beth) Brown; and grandchildren, Rachel (John Arrington) Brown, Anna Brown, and Drew Brown.

The family will receive friends from 11:00AM until 1:00PM on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at West Harpeth Funeral Home located at 6962 Charlotte Pike in Nashville. A Celebration of Wayne’s Life will begin at 1:00PM on Saturday in the Chapel at West Harpeth. Following the service, Wayne will be laid to rest in the Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.