Dana Chester Brown, 81, of Greeneville, passed away early Sunday morning, Aug. 23, 2026, at his home.
Chester spent his career as the former owner of Brown’s Garage and Wrecker Service, where he was known for his reliability, skill, and willingness to help anyone in need. He later retired from Landair and from a lifetime of farming — work that shaped his days and reflected his deep connection to the land.
He remained an avid gardener throughout his life and was especially known for his remarkable ability to grow tomatoes. Each year, he nurtured and shared tomato seedlings with people across the region, a quiet generosity that became one of his most cherished traditions.
Chester leaves behind his children, Mikhail “Eugene” Brown, Robbie Brown, and Denise Kite; grandsons, Justin (Amy) and Logan (Joann) Kite; and a great-grandson, Myles Kite. He is also survived by his longtime partner and caregiver, Phyllis Randolph, as well as his cousin and best friend, Harold Fortner.
Those who knew Chester will remember his steadfastness, generosity, humor and love of farming.
The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Jeffers Mortuary in downtown Greeneville. As were his wishes, a graveside service will follow immediately at Cross Anchor Cemetery, where Chester will be laid to rest near his parents, Dana and Trula Fortner Brown, and siblings, Dexie, Marie, Felix, Albert (Abb) Brown, and Ileen Casteel.
Pallbearers will include Justin Kite, Logan Kite, Ralph Gross, TJ Gross, Miguel “Michael” Lopez, and Kevin Randoph. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Fortner, Tommy Gross, and Mike Gray.
Jeffers Funeral & Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
