FERRUM, Virginia -- The Ferrum College community mourns the loss of longtime Assistant Football Coach Bob Brown. Brown passed away May 30, 2021 at the age of 83 at his home in Concord, North Carolina.
Brown served with the Ferrum football coaching staff from 2000-18, 19 seasons as Assistant Football Coach. When he retired from coaching at the conclusion of the 2018 season, Brown coached football for 60 years, including 57 years at the collegiate level.
Prior to his arrival at Ferrum, where he worked primarily with Panther quarterbacks, Brown's extensive college coaching background included 14 years as assistant coach at Davidson College, a year at West Virginia University, four years at Texas Tech University, six years at the University of South Carolina, four years at Marshall University, and six years at Ohio University.
While at South Carolina, Brown coached 1980 Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers. Brown also served three years as head coach at Hargrave Military Academy, and as a graduate assistant coach at the College of William & Mary.
"We lost a loyal, loving, committed Black Hat yesterday, Coach Bob Brown. Our relationship was one that as a young coach, he mentored me in ways he probably didn't know. When you feel like you can't get it done, think about the toughness of Coach Brown. When you don't want to get out of bed because you are tired, think about Coach Brown. When you are making excuses about hurting, being worn down, and can't find that edge, think about Coach Brown. We all have Coach Brown stories, and all of those stories make your think about perseverance and grit. He was a something else. Love you Coach. Rest in heaven, headset on, coaching em up!" --Head Coach Cleive Adams
Brown was born October 11, 1937 in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in the Hampton, Virginia, area. He and his wife Judy have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
The funeral service will be on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Homes of Harrisburg, North Carolina. Memorials may be made to Tucker Hospice House, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, North Carolina, 28081. Hartsell Funeral Homes of Harrisburg is serving the Brown family.
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 12, 2021, 2:00 PM
Hartsell Funeral Homes
12115 University City Blvd
Harrisburg, NC 28075
