Dr. Robert Glenn Brown

December 29, 1940 - May 16, 2024

Dr. Robert Glenn Brown, 83, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2024, attended by his loving family.

Robert was born on Dec. 29, 1940 in Norfolk Virginia to Charlie Glenn Brown and Margaret Pridgen Brown. He grew up spending summers with his surviving cousins Margaret and Rebecca. Known as "Butch" in high school, he was a wrestler and football center. He loved exploring the Chesapeake Bay around Norfolk with his best friend Burt. He studied philosophy at the University of Virginia and medicine at Duke University. He married Cletis Betty Akers, and they had a son (Glenn) while he served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lexington. He had a daughter, Rebecca (Becky) while a medical resident at the University of Florida. He studied microvascular surgery at the University of Rochester (New York). He was an Associate Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, where he pioneered novel reconstructive surgery techniques, and developed a life-long passion for reconstructive surgery helping children with cleft lips and cleft palates.

In 1979 Bob and his family settled in Opelika Alabama, where Bob served the community as a surgeon for the rest of his career, including serving some time as the Chief of Staff at East Alabama Medical Center during its expansion, and serving as board examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His passion was children's reconstructive surgery, and he volunteered monthly at Montgomery's children's hospital throughout his time in Opelika. He could hardly go anywhere without being thanked by someone he helped.

Years after losing his first wife, to a 12 year fight with cancer, Bob married Cecelia Carol McGuffey, who had lost her husband after a similar struggle. They enjoyed almost a decade together before Bob's passing.

Bob is survived by his widow, Cecelia, and her children, by his adult children Becky and Glenn, and by his grandchildren Alex, Gavin, Mason, and Meris.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 19, from 5-7pm at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, in Opelika, Alabama. A memorial service will be held at 3pm, Monday, May 20, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika, which Bob loved and attended since 1979. In lieu of flowers, we invite donations to two of Bob's beloved causes, Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Salvation Army, or to a charity dear to you.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.