Charles Dale Brown

Charles Dale Brown, 91, of Shreveport, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord on July 3, 2026, his 91st birthday. He was born on July 3, 1935, in Floral, Arkansas, to the late Luther Ernest Brown and Marjorie Lourana James Brown.

Charles graduated from Walnut Ridge High School, where he played basketball for the Bobcats. He continued his basketball career at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks while earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1959. In 1993, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Chadwick University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Charles was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity about the world. He read every Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, always eager to discover a new story or perspective. When a subject captured his interest, he immersed himself in it, reading everything he could find. Whether learning more about the Bible, mountain climbing, history, or another fascinating topic, he delighted in expanding his knowledge and was always ready to share what he had learned with others.

Charles dedicated more than 39 years of service to Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO). He began working as a lineman during his college years before launching his professional career as an internal auditor. In the early 1960s, as SWEPCO embraced emerging computer technology, he transitioned into computer programming. Throughout his career, he became a Certified Data Processor and Systems Professional and mastered multiple computer programming languages. He was an active member of the Data Processing Management Association and served as International Director of the local DPMA chapter.

In 1967, Charles was ordained as a deacon, a milestone that shaped the remainder of his life as a faithful servant to others. At Broadmoor Baptist Church, he taught Sunday School and faithfully served as a deacon. He was also a devoted member of Gideons International and found great joy in distributing God's Word to those around him. His unwavering faith, servant's heart, and commitment to sharing the Gospel left a lasting impact on countless lives.

In 1957, Charles met the love of his life, Kaye, and asked her to marry him on their very first date. She said no, but he faithfully pursued her for the next two years. They were married in 1959 and shared 67 wonderful years together.

In the years that followed, they were blessed with two daughters and a son, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Charles loved his family with a steady, quiet devotion. He often joked that if he had known how much fun grandchildren were, he would have had them first.

He cherished chaperoning his daughters' band trips and football games and enjoyed church trips with his children, creating memories that his family will treasure forever. His love of basketball remained a lifelong passion. Whether playing in local leagues in Shreveport, coaching boys' basketball teams, or cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks, he never missed a game.

Charles also deeply loved his country. He once tried to enlist in the military but was rejected because he was too tall—a story he shared with good humor throughout his life.

Charles is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 67 years, Kaye Gray Brown; his daughters, Catherine "Kathi" Calamari (Mike) and Rosalyn Milliken (Rodney); his son, Gregory "Greg" Brown (Stefanie); his grandchildren, Max Calamari, Michelle Calamari, Angelique Milliken Hodge (Trey), Randle Milliken (Natasha), Aaron Brown (Randi), Dillon Brown, and Piper Brown; his great-grandchildren, Max Calamari, Louis Calamari, Cade Hodge, Evan Milliken, Elizabeth Shepherd, and Lillie Willis; his sisters, Joyce Catherine Trapp, Zelpha Lee Bates, and Judy Isabella Garner (Darrel); and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends during a visitation at Broadmoor Baptist Church Chapel on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service officiated by Dr. Larry Williams and Bro. Stuart Freeman. Interment will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Max Calamari, Randle Milliken, Aaron Brown, Trey Hodge, Mark Mize, Larry Bamburg, Rick Ryland, and Steve Romero. Honorary pallbearers will be Dillon Brown, Mac Langdon, Kaleb Harris.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Bristol Hospice of Northwest Louisiana for the exceptional care, comfort, and support they provided during Charles's final days.