Richard Allan Brown , 67, of Center, TX, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband and father, a hardworking pipeliner, and a man whose steadiness and quiet strength provided a sense of comfort to all who knew him.

Born on November 9, 1957, Richard dedicated his life to providing for his family, spending years working the pipelines, where he is remembered as the pipeline legend, Richard "on the ground" Brown, and revered as one of the best in the industry.

Beyond his work, Richard was a man of kindness and unwavering steadiness. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His generosity was not just in what he gave but in the time and love he shared with those around him.

He was a devoted father and grandfather, always putting his family first. Some of our fondest memories are waking up to the smell of breakfast he lovingly prepared and riding the side by side with his grandkids, nieces and nephews through the fields, which typically concluded with launching a jump off the hill behind #1 while they screamed with excitement. He could also be found pushing his grands in a swing, planting and harvesting a garden with them, or reading with one on each knee. His love was evident in every moment.

While sometimes a man of few words, he could quickly become a man of many when he turned on his auctioneer chant.  He never passed up the opportunity to tell a good joke such as William HH Yates…and we probably shouldn't tell rest of that story. He found joy in entertaining his family and friends with his auctioneering skills and subtle humor. To this very day his grandkids are still pondering whether purple is actually green.

When he wasn't working or entertaining, you could find him on a lake, rod in hand, casting a line and enjoying the peace that fishing brought him.

Richard leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Tina Lawson Brown of Center; children, Chad Brown and wife Brandi of Nacogdoches, Eric Brown of Center, Loren Clifton and husband Russell of Lufkin; grandchildren, Logan Brown, Cayman Brown, Preston Brown, Sadie Clifton, Ava Clifton, Jax Clifton, and Delilah Clifton; sisters, Dr. Debrah Worsham and husband Phil of Joaquin and Karen Fallin and husband David of Tenaha; brothers, Randy Brown and wife Holley of Tyler, Keith Brown of Center, and Bradley Brown and wife Kerrie of Center; special family, Doug Y'Barbo and Chris Allen.

He is now reunited with his parents Charles Dean Brown and Shirley Ruth Head Brown.

Visitation will be from 6pm-8pm, Monday, March 24, 2025, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 2pm at Watson and Sons Chapel with David Fallin and Phil Worsham officiating.  Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Center.