WILMINGTON — Lloyd Raeford Brown, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 2, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born on March 14, 1936, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, he was 90 years old at the time of his passing.
A proud alumnus of Central High School in Charlotte, Raeford played drums in the marching band, then attended Charlotte College for two years, where he also played basketball. He graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, and subsequently joined the US Army, completing his basic training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC. He honorably served in the US Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving his Honorable Discharge on September 28, 1964.
Raeford, known for his dedication and integrity, he enjoyed a rewarding career as a successful Allstate Insurance Agent in Charlotte. He was well respected by his colleagues, and clients, and was the recipient of numerous service awards and company-sponsored events and trips throughout his career.
He retired at the age of 60 and embraced a life filled with cherished memories at Wrightsville Beach, NC, alongside his beloved wife and sweet heart, Elizabeth Long Brown, whom he married on June 25, 1960. Together, they celebrated 65 years of marriage.
An avid golfer, Raeford found joy in playing on any course with his golfing buddies and was actively involved in the “Lost Ball Open,” participating in many tournaments. He took great pride in remodeling his beach home, raising it on pilings to weather the storms, and creating a sanctuary for family gatherings.
Raeford was a man of faith through committed service, as seen especially as a member of Faith Community Methodist Church in Wilmington. He was a devoted Mason and Shriner for over 25 years. He was a distinguished member of Wilmington Lodge #319 A.F. & A.M., Sudan Shriners, Sudan Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Wilmington Shrine Club with over 25 years of service. He served as the Captain of the Sudan Drum & Bugle Corps and President of the Wilmington Shrine Club, earning the distinction of Past Captain and Past President, leaving a legacy of leadership and camaraderie. “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
Raeford is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Ralph Brown and Mildred C. Brady Brown.
He is survived by his cherished family: his devoted wife, Elizabeth Long Brown; his daughter Leigh Brown Bryson and son Kyle Raeford Brown; granddaughters Casey and husband Sean Fitzpatrick, Jessie and husband Parker Helms, Brook Bryson, and Taylor Heiden; grandsons Carson Brown, Connor Brown, and Collin Brown; great-grandson Benji Heiden and great-granddaughter Reagan Helms. He leaves behind extended family members and countless friends and brothers and sisters in the Masonic and Shrine communities.
Memorial services are planned at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel, led by Pastor Daniel Eplee. Masonic Funeral Honors will be presented by Wilmington Lodge #319 A.F. & A.M., and the US Army will provide the US Flag Presentation.
In honor of Raeford’s life and service, consider making a memorial gift to Shriners Children’s Hospital, or the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center.
