Richard “Keith” Brown, Sr., 69, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, shed his earthly bonds on June 22 following a short illness. 

Keith attended Roanoke Rapids High School followed by a tour with the United States Army, serving as a HAWK missile crewman in El Paso,Texas and central Germany. 

Following his military service, he made a career with the North Carolina Bureau of Prisons and retired from that organization. 

Since childhood Keith was an avid fisherman and could be found with a rod in his hand on the lakes of North Carolina as well as on the North Carolina coast. 

Keith was preceded in death by his parents Gurney L. Brown, Sr. and Mary Williams Brown of Roanoke Rapids. 

He is survived by two children: Taraleann Woods of Prescott, Arizona and Richard Keith Brown, II, of Roanoke Rapids, two grandchildren: Katelyn “Katie” Hennard and Kyle Woods of Prescott, Arizona and two brothers: Steven M. Brown of Roanoke Rapids and Gurney L. Brown, II, of High Point, NC. 

Keith will be greatly missed by those who loved him. 

No public service is planned at this time.