Tilman Brown

At 5:15pm on December 5, 2019, Tilman Brown, 81, of Three Rivers, MI, formerly of Bell County, was led to Heaven by his Savior, Jesus Christ. Heaven became infinitely brighter, joy and laughter became thunderous, and the family reunion began. Born on November 22, 1938 in Fourmile, KY, Tilman was the son of the late Walter George and Sennie (Jones) Brown. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and was stationed in Hawaii. A few years later, he met and married his "precious girl" Gladys Philpot and moved to Michigan. The newlyweds had two beautiful daughters, but Andromeda was called home with Jesus before Ursula was born. Tilman worked at a factory job he hated to provide for the little family he loved for over 35 years. In 1985, the family grew when Ursula married Edwin Bradford. He went on his first cruise and Disney vacation in 1990 and was officially bit by the travel bug. And in 1991, Tilman was blessed with his pride and joy, his granddaughter, Ariel. He was her Poppy. Over the years, Tilman enjoyed traveling with his family of five to many destinations including Disney World, tropical cruises, Niagara Falls, Cedar Point, and Mackinac Island. Adventures also included movie nights at his house, going to get ice cream together, going out to dinner, trips to Lake Michigan, local zoos, museums, steam engine train rides, and antique aircraft flights. Spending time with "the kids" was the most important thing. Never one to sit still for very long, he was always ready to go with at least one camera in hand. Tilman knew no strangers and made friends everywhere he went. He also was a very giving person, always trying to help where he could. "The most important thing is to spend time with the people you love, have fun, and make memories," was something he always told his family, and instilled it in them with his legacy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Andromeda Diana Brown, brother, Ulyess Lee Brown, Sr., brothers-in-law Roy Philpot, CS Philpot, Elmer Philpot, sisters-in-law Pauline Brown, Betty Hobbs, Wanda Watkins, and nephews Ulyess Lee Brown, Jr., and Craigie Brown. Survivors include his wife, Gladys Brown; daughter and Daddy's girl, Ursula Bradford; son-in-law, Edwin Bradford; Poppy's granddaughter, Ariel Bradford; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Floyd and Shirley Brown, Geraldine and Bob Gambrel, Theda and James Polly and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Services will be at 1:00 PM Wednesday at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home Chapel Rev. James Polly and Rev. Wilkie Saylor. Music will be by the Polly family. Burial will be at Green Hills Memorial Gardens, Middlesboro. Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Pineville, is honored to serve the Brown Family. Light a candle of remembrance and sign the guest register at www.arnettsteele.com. Cemetery Details Green Hills Memorial Gardens Middlesboro, KY 40965 Graveside service

DEC 11. 2:00 PM (EST)

Green Hills Memorial Gardens

Middlesboro, KY 40965