Robert Wilburn Brown ("Rusty"), aged 80, passed away in his hometown of Shelby, North Carolina, on July 29, 2026.

Born on June 30, 1946, in Shelby, Robert was the son of the late Robert Summer Brown and Frances Elizabeth Byers Brown. He grew up in Cleveland County and was a graduate of the Township #3 High School, Class of 1964.

Rusty spent his professional life as a salesman, a career well-suited to his outgoing nature and love for connecting with people. Driven by a commitment to his community, he also served as a volunteer firefighter, always ready to step up and help his neighbors in times of need.

Beyond his work, Rusty was a man of diverse passions. He possessed a lifelong fascination with the skies and loved flying. Closer to earth, he enjoyed the quiet focus of coin collecting and was an avid, passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his team.

Above all, Rusty was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Virginia Brown and his sister Patricia Brown. His legacy lives on through his children: his son, Robert Wilburn Brown Jr. ("Robby") and his wife Heather, and his daughter, Susan Terry and her husband Kevin. He was also the incredibly proud grandfather to his two grandsons, Jack Brown and Thomas Brown. Rusty was preceded in death by his granddaughter Savanna Vinson.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Sulphur Springs Methodist Church. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 pm in the church sanctuary with Reverend Kathy Houser officiating.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.