John Cecil Brown, Jr.

John Cecil Brown Jr (71) of Benton, AR passed away on September 16th 2026 in his home after a courageous fight against cancer. He was born August 1st 1955 in Wynne, AR to Dean Tatum Brown and John Cecil Brown.

He grew up in Wynne, AR and later moved to Harrison, AR. He was always involved in all sports and excelled in each one. Even as a young boy he was fascinated by the weather and cloud formations. To say that he was a daydreamer is putting it mildly. He graduated from Harrison High School in 1973. After joining the Navy in 1980, he served 20 plus years and was retired with the rank of Aerographer’s Mate Petty Officer 1st Class. John was very proud to serve his country and had a very distinguished career with several awards and citations. He graduated from weather forecasting school specializing in Oceanography. While serving his country, he was blessed to travel the world but never forgot where he came from and where his heart belonged. John became an avid tennis player and was a member of the National Naval tennis team. His love of music led him to become quite the drummer. He actually taught himself to play. There really was not much he did not excel in. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. When you hear thunder, that’s just him jamming with the angels. His pride and great joy were his Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Dean (V) Tatum Brown and his Father Cecil Brown.

He is survived by his wife Carol Brown of the home. His Three children: Jonathon (Keran) Brown, Sarah Brown, and Matthew Brown. All of the Dayton, Ohio area And Three step daughters: Kimberly (Robert) Ross of Sherwood, AR, Ricci Arnold of Benton, AR and Alisha (Jimmy) McEntire of Haskell, Ar. He also is survived by 7 Grandchildren and 3 Step Grandchildren: Kendal Brown, Sieana Dunson, Khaliah Dunson, and Noa Jean Brown, Theodore Rousculp, Avery Brown and Ben Brown. Ryan McGhee, Evan Ross, and Abi Ward. Two Sisters . Beverly (Rick) Russell of Rogers Ar, Gloria (Richard) Brown of Fayetteville, Ar, and one Brother Rick (Jackie) Brown of Joplin, Mo. Several cherished Neice’s and Nephews. He also leaves behind loved ones that were a large part of his life.

In lieu of flowers please donate to this charity that was dear to his heart, Wounded Warriors Project.

He will be laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas at Noon, Friday, October 2, 2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.