As news of the sudden death by heart attack of Denny Brown (pictured) in Sebring, Florida, Saturday evening has made its way around the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, a variety of descriptions and connections have appeared as the news traveled. Here is a selection of excerpts:
From Grace College and Seminary, the note that Denny Brown, 55, was an alumnus of the school (BA73, MACSA 83) and worked in the Development and Admissions area of Grace Schools from 1978-1987.
He and his wife (Chris Ryerson, C71) have 14 children, 11 of whom are adopted, with nine still at home. Memorial service will be Thursday in Sebring-the address for Chris and the family is 725 Lin Road, Sebring, Florida, 33876.
Pastor Scott Distler of Lititz, Pennsylvania, noted Denny’s connections in this e-mail note to the Lititz congregation:
We got word Sunday morning that Pastor Denny Brown passed away Saturday night of a heart attack. Denny was a former staff member at the Osceola Grace Brethren where I pastored for 9 years (his time at Osceola was prior to my years of service there). He had currently been serving as the Associate Pastor at our Sebring, FL Grace Brethren Church.
Denny’s brother, Rusty, was one of my Elders back in Osceola and I served with Denny for several years on CE National’s Board of Directors. Denny is survived by his wife, Christine, and their 14 children. Please be praying for Denny’s family and for the Sebring Grace Brethren Church.
The CE National website reported in this way:
Denny Brown, Associate pastor at Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church went home to be with the Lord Saturday evening, November 5. Denny suffered a massive heart attack Saturday evening at his home. He was with the Lord before the EMS team arrived.
Denny was in charge of the Day Care program that the Sebring Grace Brethren Church operates, and he did administrative work for the church. Denny worked at Grace College and was a school administrator in California before taking the position at Sebring.
He is a former member of the CE National Board of Directors and was a tremendous support to our ministries through the years. Denny is also the son-in-law of Milt and Sue Ryerson, retired pastor in the FGBC.
Please be in prayer for Denny’s wife, Chris, their children, and their family.
The following note is from the family:
Denny passed away on Saturday night from a heart attack. We will be having a memorial service at Sebring Grace Brethren church on Thursday at 2:00pm. Our family is doing well, but of course has our ups and downs. We all know that God is good and that he has a plan for all of our lives.
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Christine, PLEASE - if there is ANYTHING I can do, I would/ will in a heartbeat.
John Reilly
Mount Juliet, TN
615-758-6503 h
352-494-8326