Donnie Brown, age 77 of Bowling Green, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, February 15 in Nashville at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. He was born in Clarksville, TN to the late Donald and Lillian Brown. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Field.

He graduated from Bowling Green High in 1965 and enlisted in the US Navy in 1967. After completing his training, he was deployed to Vietnam where he served as a rear gunner on a PCF. He was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart in December 1968. After his tour in Vietnam, he trained US Navy Reserves in Bayonne, NJ.

Donnie retired from the Southern Group in 2005 where he served as Vice President and business partner. After retirement he became a volunteer Service Officer with the American Legion Post 23 helping local veterans apply for and receive VA benefits.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ruth Brown; two daughters, Sarah Brown (Martin) of Roseville, MI and Becky Heiman (Joe) of Huntsville, AL; one son, Matt Brown, (Gillian) of Cumming, GA; one step-son, Andy Henderson of Bowling Green; eight grandchildren, Shelbie, Elly, Emma, Allison, William, Julia, Joshua and Jenna.

Visitation will be held at Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 20.

Donnie had chosen cremation and requested no formal service  be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.