Mr. Charles Odis Brown, age 81, of Dahlonega heard the three words he's been longing to hear from His Blessed Savior, "Come up hither" on this Good Friday, April 7, 2023.

Mr. Brown was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. He was born on August 27, 1941, to the late Lewis and Pauline Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by previous wives, Alice Jeanne Grizzle Brown and Wylda Orr Brown, and siblings Vernell Cochran, J.D. Brown, and Loyal Brown. Charles retired from Wrigley's, and when his health allowed, he worked as a dedicated funeral assistant at Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.

Charles Brown's life consisted of virtues that men would ever inspire to have. He joined Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in August 1954 and was ordained as a deacon in October 1973. Charles remained faithful to his convictions as he served his church family and community. He was a loving husband and father, and his favorite title he wore was "Pa."

Great strength and a voice of prayer have left this world in the life of Charles Brown. His life of prayer has helped so many in the battles of life they have faced. King David described the death of one of his faithful soldiers, "And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" 2 Samuel 3:38 KJV . Charles has gone on to his reward in Heaven. His word might echo the Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing". 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV. He will be greatly missed.

Missing him most will be his wife, Barbara Brown; children Dwayne and Sharon Brown, Jeff and Connie Brown, Chuck and Trish Carter, Michael and Paula Caudell; sister-in-law Syble Brown; grandchildren Shane and Chelsey Brown, Ryan and Tonya Brown, Ashley and Casey Garrett, Justin and Meredith Brown, Brandon and Nicole Brown, Whitney and Dylan Lawrence, Christopher and Abigail Carter, Lauren and Bryan Burnette and Lindsey Caudell; honorary grandchildren Joe Spooner, Brandon Smith, Josh Walden, Josh Abernathy; fifteen great-grandchildren; best friend Tommy Burns; several deeply loved and appreciated nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 4:00 PM Monday, April 10, 2023, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. Charles' body will lie in state at the church from 3:00 PM until the service hour. The Rev. Les Fuller, the Rev. Franklin Grant, and the Rev. Don Bell will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with the Rev. Stephen Gerrells officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Mission Fund.

To share a memory or a condolence with the family, visit Charles' online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533