Robert Joe Brown

Robert Joe Brown, known to all as Bob, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. 

If Bob could tell you one thing today, it would not be about his career, his talents and accomplishments, or even the family he loved so dearly. He would tell you about Jesus. 

He believed the greatest gift he had ever received even more than a long life, a loving family, and a lifetime of learning, was the grace of God freely given through Jesus. Bob prayed that those he knew and loved would not simply admire his faith but would come to know the hope he had found. 

Born on January 30, 1948, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bob was the son of James Marshall  Brown and Mildred Champion Brown and the fourth of ten children. His childhood was marked by many challenges, but also by resilience, laughter, and deep family bonds. Growing up with very little gave him an appreciation for life's simple blessings and instilled in him a lifelong instinct to protect those who were vulnerable or unable to defend themselves. Standing up to bullies and advocating for those who needed someone in their corner became part of Bob's character and the source of many family stories. 

In 1968, Bob married the love of his life, Ruthann, beginning a partnership that would span nearly fifty-nine years. Their early years together were filled with more faith than finances, yet together they built a home rich in love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Together they raised three children and later welcomed ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who became some of Bob's greatest joys. 

To the grandchildren, Bob and Ruthann's home was fondly known as "GG Camp." It was filled with many adventures, and the kids knew they had grandparents who delighted in being fully present. Bob coached not only his own children but many of his grandchildren, and he never seemed to lose the joy, curiosity, and wonder of childhood. Few gifts were more important to him than giving his family his time, his full attention, and the gift of living fully in the present. 

Throughout his nearly forty-year career in medical imaging, Bob never stopped learning. He earned advanced credentials in CT, echocardiography, and abdominal and vascular ultrasound—a reflection of both his commitment to excellence and his lifelong curiosity. Each new specialty only deepened his awe of God's creation. Looking inside the human body never made life seem ordinary; it made it more miraculous. Psalm 139 was especially meaningful to him because he believed that every person is "fearfully and wonderfully made." His work strengthened his conviction that every human life possesses immeasurable dignity and worth, a belief quietly reflected by the small "Precious Feet" pin he wore on his hospital badge.  

Although progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) limited Bob's physical abilities, it never diminished his spark. During this season, Romans 5 became a source of strength as he experienced that God's grace is present not only in life's joys but also in its deepest trials. Throughout that journey, Bob was faithfully surrounded by Ruthann, his family, church family, and dear friends, whose steadfast love reflected God's faithfulness to him. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Debbie; and his brother, Jack. He is survived by Ruthann; his children, Angie, Justin, and Jason, and their families; his brothers and sisters; and the many friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, curiosity, courage, and unwavering hope. 

His family rejoices that the faith which sustained him throughout his life has now become sight. Their prayer is that Bob's life will continue to point others not only to the roles he faithfully modeled but to the Savior in whom he placed his hope above all else. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to either of the following ministries that were dear to Bob's heart: 

Reach Out Pregnancy Center https://reachoutpregnancy.com/donate 

New Hope Baptist Church (Sanford, NC) – Please designate gifts to the Children's Ministry.   https://www.hopeforsanford.com/giving 

A Memorial Service with a Celebration of Life reception immediately following will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 3007 Beechtree Drive, Sanford, NC, on Saturday, July 11, at 1:00 PM. A live stream of the service will be available at: https://www.youtube.com/c/NewHopeBaptist-ChurchNC.

Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Cox Memorial..."Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need."

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