Johnny Lee Brown, Sr.

Johnny Lee Brown, Sr., age 70, of Winston-Salem, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 16, 2026.

Johnny was born on October 27, 1955, in Forsyth Co. to the late Gilbert Lee Brown and Annie Ruth (Hauser) Brown. Johnny was loved by all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend whose kindness, humor, and gentle spirit touched countless lives. His legacy of love and laughter will live on through his family and all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his daughter, Tammy Lee Horne; his granddaughter, Brittany Combs Hernandez; and his grandson, Chanler Aaron Gilham.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Nichols Brown; his brother, Hank Brown; his sisters, Edna Nichols and Merle Brown Montano; his children, Tom Gilham (Natalie), Tika Gilham (Benji), Lucas Gilham, Johnny Lee Brown Jr. “BJ” (Nita), and Annie Hayes (Bradley); along with twelve grandchildren: Brian Lewis Jr. (Katie), Taylor Lewis (Zanna), Christian Lewis (Emily), John Gilham, Thomas Gilham Jr. (Audrey), Ashley Lilly, Chandra Gilham (Joe), Shelby, Johnny Lee Brown III, Abigail Spitzner, Alyssa Spitzner, and Isabella Hayes, as well as twenty-one great-grandchildren who brought him great joy.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel, with Uncle Harvey Nichols officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service.

Flowers will be graciously accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the family through a GoFundMe established to assist with funeral expenses during this difficult time at Brown Family Memorial Contributions

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family.