Clifford Marvin Brown

Clifford M. Brown, age 91, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Macon, GA. Services are planned at Pierce Memorial Methodist Church in Sparta, GA, at 2:00 on Saturday, October 10th. Visitation will be at the May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville, GA on Friday, October 9th 4:00-6:00 PM.

Clifford was a lifelong resident of Sparta, GA. He was born on April 4, 1935, in Cooperstown, NY to the late George M. and Mary Alice ‘Smith’ Brown. He was preceded in death by a brother, Teddy Brown, and his sisters, Helen Chamblee and Louise DiGiulio.

Clifford is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia ‘McGee’ Brown, and his sons, Jeffrey R. (Deborah) Brown, Beavercreek, OH; Kirkland T. Brown, Sparta, GA; and Kenneth S. (April) Brown, Leesburg, GA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Casey (Brian) Berschback, OH; Lindsay (Alex) Miller, OH; Hollyanne (Dillon) Craft, GA; Corey (Madison) Brown, AL; and Gordon Brown, GA. Clifford is also survived by eight great grandchildren: Bradley Miller, Bridget Miller, Aaron Berschback, Ingrid Berschback, Brooks Berschback, DeLanie Craft, Harrison Craft, and Cliff Craft; a cousin, Charlotte ‘Brown’ Booth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Clifford spent most of his life in Sparta, GA. After finishing Sparta High School, he joined the Army in 1953 at the age of 18. He was a Sergeant in the Infantry, 3rd Army, serving at Ladd AFB in Fairbanks, AK, for 18 months (middle of 1954-56). Army troops were stationed there as part of the Korean Conflict. After returning to Macon, Clifford spent 2 years at Mercer University, and then began work with the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), retiring in 1995. It was away from the job that Clifford had the biggest impact. He spent much of his time supporting Pierce Memorial Methodist, including a mission trip to West Africa, as well as to Fairmount Baptist, and many of the local civic groups like the Lions Club, the VFW, and the Sparta Library. It was at John Hancock Academy where Clifford gave most of his time.

Clifford, at the young age of 34, coached and led the JHA boys’ basketball team to win the state championship in 1969-70. Later in life, he loved the movie ‘Hoosiers,’ probably because it reminded him of those years. Clifford’s sons were very fortunate they had the opportunity to play for him as their basketball and tennis coach. It was interesting that Clifford said that all he did in coaching was apply what his high school coach, Bill Yost of ‘Remember the Titans’ fame, had taught him. Clifford always gave everyone else all the credit. Clifford’s dedication to his faith, his family, and at JHA made him a role model for all that knew him.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.