MITCHELL – Ricky Brown, 69, met his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at IU Health Bloomington Hospital.
Born March 18, 1957, in Bedford, Indiana, he was the son of George T. and Frances C. Brown. On May 27, 1978, he married the love of his life, Tammy Pless, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love. Tammy survives.
Rick was a 1976 graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School, where he excelled in basketball and graduated as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers. He carried the same determination, character, and enthusiasm throughout his life that he displayed on the basketball court.
He retired from General Motors in 2006 after 30 years of dedicated service. Never one to sit still, Rick continued working at The Solutions Center in Mitchell and proudly owned and operated Tammy’s Pet Bed and Bath alongside his wife.
Rick was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and if you spoke with him for more than a few minutes, you knew it. His faith was not something he kept to himself; it was woven into the way he lived, loved, encouraged others, and faced life’s challenges. He served faithfully on the Praise Band at Woodville Baptist Church for many years, using his voice and his heart to glorify God and encourage others in their faith. He shared God’s love freely and never missed an opportunity to talk about the blessings in his life.
Rick enjoyed fishing, playing computer golf, tossing a few rounds of cornhole, planting flowers in the yard, quoting his favorite movies, volunteering for the Limestone parade and Christmas parade, listening to music, singing along to the songs he loved, and spending time with animals of every kind. Especially, all those in his care. He had a gift for making people laugh and was known for his contagious smile and joyful spirit.
His humor, joy, smile, laughter, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving are his children, Michael (Cheryl) Pless, Robert (Robin) Pless, Christopher (Daniel) Brown, and LaToya (Cody) Lamm.
He was the best Pappy to his grandchildren, Micah Cooper, Jorja Lamm, Josie Lamm, and Kaiden Pless, who brought immense pride and happiness to his life.
Also surviving are his brothers, William Brown, Edward Brown, and Clarence Brown; and sisters, Mary Rowlett, Phyllis Wagers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George T. and Frances C. Brown; his sister, Georgena Curry; and his sisters-in-law, Marsha Brown and Sharon Brown.
Though Rick’s earthly journey has ended, his legacy of faith, love, laughter, music, and devotion to family will continue through the countless lives he touched. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now healed, at peace, and in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 20, at Woodville Baptist Church with Pastor Angela Carter officiating. Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Rick has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.
Memorial gifts: Wounded Warrior Project or The White River Humane Society
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