08/08/2026
John Michael Brown (Mike), age 86, passed away suddenly on his property Friday morning, August 7, 2026. He was born on June 10, 1940, in South Knoxville to John Hoyle Brown and Nellie Michaels Brown. Mike grew up in South Knoxville. He was raised in the Stock Creek Baptist Church Community and continued to attend there until passing. He graduated from Young High School in 1957 and helped coordinate the yearly class reunions. He attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He married Sharon Jean Weaver in 1960, and he and Sharon raised two daughters and buried a third stillborn daughter. While he spent most of his life in Tennessee, he and his family lived for a while in Illinois and Indiana when he worked as a buyer for Interstate Department Stores. Mike and Sharon were divorced in 1982. When Mike returned to Tennessee, he started working with Woodmen of the World, now WoodmenLife, where his father worked. He worked as manager and sales representative for Woodmen of the World for 39 years. He served several counties and made many Woodmen Friends throughout the southern region.
Mike married Janet Witucki in 2002, and they had 24 wonderful years together. They built a life on the family property in South Knoxville and hosted many family and friend get togethers. Mike and Janet enjoyed traveling and new experiences. They traveled to Australia, England, and the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and France, as well as many US cities. They enjoyed these trips, and Mike even played a didgeridoo in Australia.
Mike was an exceptional friend, neighbor, Christian, father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always helping out those in need, including family members. If he saw a need or was asked to help someone, he did not hesitate. He once said, "I am my brother's keeper". He worked on construction during a mission trip in Chile. Mike had a trailer full of tools and would leave on short notice for Disaster Relief, helping during several hurricanes. Working with WoodmenLife, he participated in 11 Habitat for Humanity Blitz Builds in many southern states.
Mike was very involved in his community and was cofounder and officer of the South-Doyle Neighborhood Homeowners Association. He was also the founding member of the South Knox Business Association. He was District 9 County Commissioner for 10 years and served on the Metropolitan Planning Commission, the Beer Board, the Metropolitan Drug Commission, and the Young Williams and IJAMS Nature Center Board. Mike was also an officer of the Three Rivers Republican Club.
Mike's greatest love was for his family, and he spent many hours engaged in family activities and doing things for them. He also loved the family land that his family received before TN was a state. He and his family are registered with First Families of TN. He was cutting down and sawing up trees on that property with his daughter, Meredith, when he suddenly died.
Mike was preceded in death by: his parents, John Hoyle Brown and Nellie Michaels Brown; daughter, Melanie Brown; brother, Tom Brown; and sister, Patricia Brown. He is survived by his wife, Janet Witucki Brown; daughters, Michelle Allen and Meredith Brown; special son, William Witucki (Kasey Witucki); grandchildren, Phillip Michael Brown, Madison Sewell (Mario), Katelyn Witucki, Conner Witucki, and great-grandchild, Elias Sewell, all in the Knoxville area. Residing in Virginia Beach are: grandson, Christopher Allen (Amanda), and great-grandchildren, Caden and Kensley Allen. Christopher is active military in the Navy.
This world is a lot emptier without Mike Brown, his giving heart, and his infectious laugh. He lives on in his family and those lives he touched.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, August 11, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Stock Creek Baptist Church, 8106 Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, with an Interment to follow in the Stock Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Buddy Johnson.
Donations may be made in his name to Stock Creek Baptist Church or IJAMS Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. Knoxville, TN 37920. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Brown family at
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