H. Michael Brown

H. Michael Brown, age 77, of Oakland, Tennessee, passed away at his home on June 1, 2025 surrounded by his family. Born on July 29, 1947, in Arkansas, he spent most of his life and career there before living a few years in Missouri. He eventually settled in Tennessee, where he made his home in Oakland to be near his children and grandchildren.

He was a devoted family man who deeply cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren, and was a loyal friend to many. Though he achieved so much throughout his professional life, his greatest joy came from simply being present with the people he loved.

Known for his honesty, dry wit, and no-nonsense approach, he had a heart of gold and a deep love for life’s simple pleasures — a good round of golf, cheering on Arkansas football, time spent with his dogs, and taking his wife to watch the Cardinals (her favorite baseball team).

His professional life was marked by a deep commitment to education and public service. He began as a coach, teacher, and bus driver, eventually rising to serve as assistant principal, principal, and superintendent at various public school systems in Arkansas and Missouri. His leadership extended beyond the local level as President of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and he earned several honors and awards for his dedication to students and educators. After retirement, he took an interim position as Director of the Area Technical School at Jefferson College in Missouri. He also founded a virtual education program (Missouri Online Summer Institute) long before virtual learning was the norm.

After relocating to Oakland, he continued his public service as mayor for one term, and was recently elected to the Fayette County School Board — a role that reflected his lifelong belief in the power of education and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vic and Murphy Brown of White Hall, AR.

He is survived by his wife, June; his daughter, Kristi Smith (Steve) of Arlington, TN; his son, Bryan Brown of Oakland, TN; three grandchildren, Justin, Emily, and Bradley; and two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Callie. He is also survived by two sisters, Vikki Reynolds (Bill) of Hot Springs, AR, and Teresa Marks (Leon) of Pensacola, FL.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 6 to 8 P.M. at Fair Oaks Country Club in Oakland, Tennessee. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.