Douglas MacArthur Brown Sr., 80, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at UNC Rex Hospital surrounded by family on Tuesday July 1, 2025.  

Douglas was born on January 27, 1945, in Halifax County. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Thelma Brown, his brothers Oliver Brown, John Brown, Howard Brown and Larry Brown, and his dogs Shadow, Dusty and ChaCha.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Peggy Vincent Brown, his son Douglas MacArthur Brown Jr. his sisters Thelma Bowen, Barbara Wall, his brothers Robert Brown Jr., Marshall Brown (Becky), David Brown (Lisa), special friends Donnie Turner and Randy Boyce.

Douglas was a loving husband and father, a welder by trade who travelled the United States practicing his trade. 

He loved hunting and fishing, especially fly fishing. 

The Weldon Boat Landing on the Roanoke River was a place where he loved to go fishing and the Meherrin River, and the many nights at the Pea Hill Creek bridge. 

His other talents were making sinking flies, poppers and shad rigs. 

Douglas was a founding member of the 301 Gun Club and enjoyed the old days at Flatfield Gun Club. 

He enjoyed playing his acoustic guitar, cooking for everyone and processing the deer that he harvested, loved growing vegetables in his garden, picking muscadine grapes and making wine. Oscar’s Restaurant was his favorite place to drink coffee with his buddies. 

Douglas loved the many outdoor adventures with Little Douglas and their annual shopping trips to Bass Pro and Cabela’s. 

The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses, and Caretakers at UNC Rex Hospital for their compassionate care during Douglas’ stay there. 

The family is still in the process of planning the memorial service.

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Services is handling arrangements for the Brown family.  Family and friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com