Johnnie Dale Brown, better known as Dale, age 83, of Sparta, formerly of Nashville, passed away April 21, 2025, at NHC Healthcare of Sparta.
Dale was born April 8, 1942, in Sparta, to Johnnie Earl and Maggie Annie Wilson Brown.
He served his country in the United States Army.
Dale was a retired truck driver who traveled all over the United States - from coast to coast - hauling everything from cattle to groceries to the U.S. mail. His love of driving even led him to driving a taxicab for a while. He was an avid fan of watching westerns and reading Louis Lamour books. In his later years, he enjoyed the challenge of word search puzzles. He was a member of Glencliff United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Nancy Marie Green Brown, who died Jan. 7, 2025, and infant brothers, William, Horace and Donald Brown.
Survivors include his children, Johnnie Denton and wife Kat, Leslie Yates and husband Michael, Vickie Denton and fiancé Mark Ray, Stephen Denton and wife Sherrie; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins.
Funeral service was 1 p.m., April 24, 2025, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Highland Cemetery. Dale’s cousin, Everett Wilson, officiated.
Joseph Denton, John Denton, Steve Denton, Mark Ray, David McGowan, Christopher McCloud, and Michael Yates served as pallbearers.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
