Charles Kenyon Brown

MANTACHIE – Charles Kenyon Brown, Sr., known affectionately as Happy Jack, passed away on May 28, 2024, at Sanctuary Hospice House in  Tupelo, Mississippi. Born on November 6, 1943, to the late John Kenyon Brown and Eron Ray Brown in Mooreville, Charles was a cherished  member of the Tombigbee community. He was a member of Fawn Grove Free Will Baptist Church in the Fawn Grove community.

Charles attended Fawn Grove School and Mooreville High School. A patriotic American, he proudly served for 20 years in the Mississippi National Guard with the 223rd Engineer Battalion headquartered in Okolona. He spent his early years driving a gas truck throughout the state before opening Mike’s Quick Stop convenience store in Nettleton. He later opened Happy Jack's convenience store in Mantachie and ran it for several years before retiring but not before making many friends along the way. He also was a valuable member of the TEPA Board of Directors.

Charles married the love of his life, Jannette Cooley, on May 12, 1962. Together they raised two children, Ken and Mike Brown. He was a devoted husband and father, and family was the cornerstone of his life.

Later in life, Charles enjoyed raising cattle and chickens, tending to his garden, and making precious memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed reminiscing and storytelling with all the many friends he had made throughout his life.

Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jannette of Mantachie; two sons Ken (Katie) Brown, of Mantachie, and Mike Brown of Mooreville; two grandchildren, Kristin (Matthew) Holt of Mantachie and Kody (Kandiace) Brown of Starkville; two great-grandchildren, Jalen Nichole and Mattie Brooke Holt, both of Mantachie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Kenyon and Eron Brown; and his brother, Eddy Brown.

A service celebrating his life will take place in the chapel at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie on Thursday, May 30, beginning at 12 pm. Bro. David Perry will be officiating along with his close friend, Steve Carter.  A private burial will be held at Stephens Cemetery in the Tombigbee community.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 29 from 5 until 8 pm at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Bob Kirksey, David Brown, Toby Reno, Thomas Lester Brown, Rodney Minga, Scott Mize and Bill Fritz. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Mississippi National Guard 223rd Engineer Battalion along with his beloved nieces and nephews.

The family expresses gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and Sanctuary Hospice House nurses and staff for such great care during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Charles Brown.