September 2, 1948 - September 21, 2025
Phillip Bruce Brown of Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 77 after a long journey with Parkinson's disease.
Phillip graduated from Little Rock Central High School and Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). He spent his entire career advocating for those with mental health issue. At the time of his retirement, after 37 years of service, he was the Director of West Tennessee Office of Licensure for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Memphis Grizzlies, and his friends with whom he connected at his beloved Molly's La Casita Restaurant, where "everybody knew his name."
He is survived by his foster sister, Lana Boatright of Fayetteville Arkansas and his sister-in-law Anne Henson Bradley of Benton Arkansas, as well as two nieces and a nephew, three great nieces and 2 great nephews, and 5 great-great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents A.J. and Lucille Brown and a half-brother Bill Henson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Molly's La Casita in Memphis, Monday, October 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.
Sign Guestbook
18 Condolence(s)
David Glidewell
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Hope your next journey is a great adventure my friend
Patricia Elam
Monday, October 6, 2025
My condolences to Phils family and friends. I worked with him for 9 years.
Butch jorda
Sunday, October 5, 2025
If everyone could be as sweet as Phil.
God bless you Phil
Jan Genke and Ron Schwarz
Friday, October 3, 2025
We shared so many Friday nights and jello shooters. You were always so friendly and kind! You will be missed!
David Jackson
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Prayers Phil, you will be missed. 🙏
Dana Sutherland
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Phil was truly a kind soul, a wonderful friend to so many, and the best Molly's ambassador ever. He held court on his barstool, and you never had to wonder what he was thinking...he told you! He gave advice, encouragement, and laughter to all of us, and he will be missed, but never forgotten. I love you my friend.
Randall Hartzog
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Here's to Phil! The best Molly's bar buddy there ever was. I'll miss your side-eye during other people's conversations!!
Jessica & Kevin
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
You were a great, dependable friend. Always thinking of others and sharing your love and kindness. You are definitely missed. We will remember you fondly…the best cheesecake, Jell-O shots, the newest gadgets and your love for Memphis and the Grizzlies. Cheers to you, my friend.
Fred and Chesney Walden
Monday, September 29, 2025
Phil, you were a wonderful friend. I’ll miss the times we had at Molly’s, the trips to St Louis to catch the Cardinals, and your great Christmas parties. RIP my friend.
Myra and Al Whity
Monday, September 29, 2025
We loved Phil and being in his presence gave us great joy each time we saw him. May he rest in peace. He will be forever loved and missed!
Myra and Al Whitney
Paula Rae Morgan
Monday, September 29, 2025
What a good human !
Reggie Whitney
Monday, September 29, 2025
I met Phil at Molly’s many years ago, and our conversations always ended with a laugh. What a kind soul, and he will be truly missed & forever remembered ❤️
Greg Harris and Clay Morgan
Monday, September 29, 2025
It was a long time good friend.
Derick Triplett
Monday, September 29, 2025
RIP PHIL I'VE KNOWN YOU FOR A LONG TIME. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON YOUR FACE. A REAL GOOD PERSON TO TALK TO. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ME AND YOUR MOLLY'S FAMILY ❤️❤️
Joshua Ballard
Monday, September 29, 2025
The man. The myth. The legend. Love you Philly
Krissy Pitts
Monday, September 29, 2025
Phil was a great guy! He will absolutely be missed. His smiling face in his regular bar stool! I had some great moments and conversations with Phil! ❤️
Lisa Lafferty
Monday, September 29, 2025
RIP Phil. You will be missed at Molly’s!
Mike Anderson
Monday, September 29, 2025
You'll be missed, Phil.