BELMONT — Warren "Benny" Brown, 67 years old of Belmont, passed away Saturday, December 24th, 2016 in Leesburg, Va. while visiting his daughters for the Christmas holiday.

He is survived by his three children, Matthew Brown of Denver, NC, Emily Long of Leesburg, VA and Jennifer Brown of Middleburg, VA. He was the proud Papa to six granddaughters Macy Brown, Raegan Long, Abbi Brown, Reece Long, Eliot Long & Sutton Long. The second child of Oscar and Lillie Brown of Mount Holly, Benny was born on February 7th, 1949.

Benny graduated from Belmont High School where he lettered in football, was Senior Class President and voted "Friendliest". After high school he went to work for Duke Energy where he worked for over 40 years and retired as a Senior Operations Specialist. After retiring Benny moved to Waynesboro, Ga. to be closer to the horse culture he loved so much. Benny was a hard working farm boy who enjoyed spending time out on his land. His work on swing shifts allowed him plenty of opportunity to work with his son taking care of livestock & acres that always needed his attention.

Benny also enjoyed anything to do with horses, going on field trips and roller coasters with his kids, and when Emily and Jenny were in school at Appalachian State, he enjoyed taking his day off to come visit and treat his girls to lunch. He always loved animals and enjoyed going with his adoring granddaughter's to the zoo, where he was full of knowledge to share. He could never pass by someone on the road without seeing how he could help. He taught his children respect and honor for family and community, manners and common courtesy.

Services will be held at Grace Covenant Church (17301 Statesville Ave.) in Cornelius on Saturday, December 31st at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m., also at Grace Covenant.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a financial donation to "Carolina Brotherhood Inc" at 2540 Beacon Forest Drive, Charlotte, NC 28270 or donate to the Long Family Haiti Adoption Fund using the following link: http://www.gofundme.com/djwtvo www.colonialfuneralhome.com .