Rufus Edward Brown

Rufus Edward Brown, age 80, of Clyde, NC (Crabtree community), passed away peacefully in his home on September 20, 2025. He fought a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis and cancer for over 10 years, and he showed immense stoicism and grace throughout his illness. Rufus was a beloved member of the community and had many friends. He was also a man of great faith. His family is relieved that he’s no longer suffering and is now at peace with his Heavenly Father.

Rufus was a native of Haywood County, NC, and he loved the mountains of Western North Carolina. He was born on July 13, 1945, in Haywood County Hospital to Sam Brown of Hurricane Creek (deceased) and Jessie Mae (Shelton) Brown of Waynesville (deceased). His older brother was Fredrick S. Brown of Lake Junaluska (deceased).

Rufus was the the Senior Class President (Class of 1963) at Waynesville Township High School. After high school, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1967. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Navy, became a commissioned naval officer, and started naval flight training in 1967. As a lieutenant, he served in Vietnam and the Philippines during the Vietnam War. While at war, he was exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals, which caused his pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. Rufus suffered greatly for his country, but his patriotism never wavered.

After the Vietnam War, Rufus returned home to the mountains and began a career in banking, serving at Northwestern Bank and First Citizens Bank in Waynesville, NC, and United Community Bank in Sylva, NC. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Poole in 1974, and raised two children, Sara and Andy. Rufus was also very active in his church. Throughout the years, he held memberships at Barberville Baptist Church in Waynesville, NC, Clyde First Baptist Church in Clyde, NC, and Longs Chapel UMC in Lake Junaluska, NC.

He taught Adult Sunday School for many years. He also served as Lay Leader and Leadership Chairman of the Deacons.

Rufus was an avid fly fisherman who also enjoyed golfing, camping, and farming his property in rural Upper Crabtree. He had a passion for travel, especially in Alaska and the Western United States. He had a great love for pristine landscapes and wild places. Over the course of his life, he visited all 50 states. Rufus was a man of many talents and interests, including singing, acting, teaching, storytelling, and fly-tying.

Rufus is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty; two children and their spouses: Sara Brown (Jude Rutledge) and Andy Brown (Becky); and three grandchildren: Caroline (age 14), Jack (age 11), and Wyatt (age 8) Brown. His memory will also live on in his nephews and their spouses: Joe Brown (Judy), Mark Brown (Ann), Jim Poole (Betzi); great-nephew Luke Brown; his niece and spouse: Ellen Ekevag (Per); great-nieces: Amy Jo Brown, Anna Ekevag, Agatha Poole, and Ida Poole; his brother-in-law and spouse, Mike Poole (Roz); and his many beloved cousins.

The memorial service and visitation will be Sunday, September 28th, at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, NC. Visitation starts at 1:30PM. The service will be at 3:00PM. Reverend Becky Brown (Rufus’ daughter-in-law) and Reverend Chris Willett will officiate. The burial will follow the service at Upper Crabtree Cemetery (above Mt. Zion’s UMC church).

Thanks to friends, family, and neighbors for all your prayers and support. In lieu of flowers, Rufus wanted donations to be made to the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR): https://umcmission.org/work/humanitarian-relief.

The care of Mr. Brown has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville