David Arnold “Dave” Brown, age 85 of Forest City, died Friday, February 28, 2025, at Hospice House in Forest City.  Dave was born on October 21, 1939, in Polk County, Iowa and was a son of the late Dwayne and Esther Swalwell Brown.

Dave loved his home state of Iowa, and he was an avid supporter of his beloved Hawkeyes. 

He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Forest City, and a member of the Gate Sunday School Class.   He attended Drake University, and he was for many years the Plant Manager at Fast Food Merchandisers where he retired. 

Dave was involved in the community and at his work, and he enjoyed coaching the Fast Foods basketball and softball teams.  He was especially proud of coaching the Fast Foods Ladies Softball team which won several tournaments.  Dave was a competitive athlete, enjoying tennis, and playing cards. 

His greatest asset was his family, which he loved most of all.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ann Miller Brown in 2012.

Survivors include his sons, Bradley Brown of Forest City, Michael Brown of Saluda, South Carolina, Matthew Brown and wife Christy of Rutherfordton, his daughter, Robyn Brown of Forest City, his brother, Darryl Brown of Dallas, TX, and his sisters, Kathy Marshall, Gloria Elding and Shirley Coughenour all of Iowa.  There are also seven grandchildren, Micaela Endicott, Mackenzie Brown, Tyler Brown, Abram Brown, Daniel Brown, Jennifer Rondeau, and Renee Frey. There are also a number of great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Curtis Goforth officiating.  Interment will follow at the Cool Springs Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o’clock on Wednesday evening at Padgett and King.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com