Former mayor Johnny Brown passes away

Johnny Brown, who served as mayor of the City of Russellville from 2000-2008, in addition to serving as a councilman and as street superintendent, passed away Thursday after fighting declining health for some time.
Ask almost anyone, and they will talk about how much the two-term mayor loved this city.
“He always tried to do what he thought was best for the city of Russellville,” said Mayor David Grissom. “People who worked with him would all agree with that.”
During Brown’s many years of service with city, he saw the groundwork laid for significant progress in Russellville. His administration broke ground on the new city hall, for one thing, and it was during his term of service that the current Russellville fire and police chief were hired.
“He was a great mayor. He was a great person to work under” said RFD Chief Joe Mansell, who expressed his shock at hearing of Brown’s passing. “He was somebody I highly respected. He provided great service to the citizens of Russellville over the years.”
Mansell added that he valued a personal relationship with Brown, in addition to their professional relationship – the two often went hunting and fishing together. From a professional standpoint, Mansell recalled that Brown was mayor when the fire department began construction of the new fire station. “Johnny Brown was the one that got the ball rolling, to get it started,” Mansell said. “He wanted the fire department to be the best it could be. He was willing to make that investment … Mayor Brown was an asset for us because he wanted to see the fire department keep moving forward.”
“He was a good guy to work for,” RPD Chief Chris Hargett agreed. “He was a really easygoing person … He let us do our jobs. He didn’t try to micromanage anything.” And like nearly anyone will say about Brown, “he loved the city of Russellville and looked out for what was best for the citizens.”
To read more of the community’s memories and impressions of Brown, pick up a copy of next week’s Franklin County Times. To share your own memories, contact Alison James at the Times at 256-332-1881 or alison.james@fct.wpengine.com.

The visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Feb. 17 at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (County Road 48) with the body lying in state one hour prior to the funeral. Officiating will be Bro. John Webb. Burial will be in the adjourning church cemetery.