William Wayne Brown, 74, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on April 15, 2026 at Parkwest Hospital. Wayne was born in Maryville, TN and graduated from Maryville High School in 1969. He then earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville before pursuing a career in plant management. Wayne joined the senior management team for Denso when they opened in Maryville and worked there for 25 years until his retirement. Wayne loved his community in Maryville and served as both a Maryville City school board member and board member at Blount Memorial Hospital. A lifetime member of the Baptist church, in retirement he regularly attended Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. Wayne was a lifetime Vols fan and an avid golfer. Retirement provided a close community of friends at Gettysvue Country Club where he made many fond memories golfing.

He is preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and first wife of 25 years, Jacqueline (Jackie) Brown; parents, James Andrew (Andy) and Lois Brown; and brother, James (Jim) Brown. Wayne was a devoted husband, father, “Pap” and brother to his surviving family members: loving wife of 25 years, Cathy Higdon Brown of Knoxville, TN; daughters, Amy Blackman (Brian) of Fayetteville, AR, Kim Giles (Matt) of Knoxville, TN, Robin Cochran (Marcus) of Omaha, NE; stepson, Eric Higdon (Carissa) of Josephine, TX; grandchildren, Marlee Giles, Addy Giles, Emsley Blackman, Will Cochran, Ben Cochran, Ellery Blackman, Greyson Higdon, and Raegan Higdon; brother, Larry Brown (Ann) of Oak Ridge, TN; and nephew, Justin Brown (Alicia) of Louisville, KY.

The family will receive friends from 3:30 PM until 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 5:00 PM with Rev. Matt Giles and Rev. Dr. Marcus Cochran presiding. In honor of his work with Mobile Meals, please consider a donation in lieu of flowers at https://www.knoxseniors.org/donate/support-mobile-meals/

Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000.