Richard Bates Brown, Jr., 98, went to his heavenly home, Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Ethel Rosalie Moore and R. Bates Brown, Sr. After graduating from Central High School in Memphis and graduating with degrees from both Cornell University in Ithaca NY, and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh PA, he married Frances Louise Furbringer. They enjoyed over 65 years of marriage together before her death in 2017.

Bates began his career in the printing industry at S. C. Toof & Co., started by his great-grandfather. In the early 1960s, he opened his own printing firm, Riverside Press. For many years, he was an active member of the Downtown Civitan Club.

For over 65 years, Bates was an active member of First Evangelical Church, where he served as an Elder and Sunday School Teacher. His faith in God and belief in Jesus' salvation ruled his life. He was a life-long member of The Gideons. For several early years he was a board member of Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Bates served his country as a Navy Air Cadet during World War II and was released from active duty in 1946.

Bates is survived by four much-loved children, Patricia Brown of Memphis, Richard Brown of New York City, NY, Daniel Brown (Rosalyn) of Dallas, TX, and Christie Brown of Walla Walla, WA. He also leaves six adored grandchildren: Daniel, Charlotte, Jordan (Reid), Preston, Joy and Sara Brown, along with two great-grandsons, and his sister, Joy Brown Wiener. He was predeceased by twin sisters: Grace Brown Mallery and Betty Brown Canon McArthur.

Services will be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home East, 2440 Whitten Rd, at 2pm on Saturday, March 23rd. Visitation will be at 1pm prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International or Child Evangelism Fellowship Memphis.

Livestream Funeral Service: https://www.econdolence.com/rwux0194