James Anthony Brown

James Anthony "Tony" Brown, 73, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Tony's life will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Dr. James Collier and Dr. Mike Edwards.

Tony was born on February 15, 1953, in Mooresville, North Carolina, to the late Mae Carolyn Waggoner Brown and Johnny Eric Brown, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved beagle, Marley, who held a special place in his heart.

Tony worked for many years as an HVAC technician with Robertson Airtech and Carrier Corporation before retiring. He shared 43 loving years of marriage with his wife, Tina, and treasured the life they built together.

Family was at the center of Tony's world, and some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He had a warm and playful spirit and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He especially enjoyed being Tina's "Sous Chef" in the kitchen, a role he happily embraced.

Tony was also an avid coin collector and loved spending time outdoors, particularly camping and visiting the beach. He enjoyed traveling with his family, and trips to Universal Orlando and Disney World were among his favorite destinations. Whether gathered around a campsite, walking along the beach, exploring a new destination, or simply relaxing at home with his family, Tony cherished the time and memories shared with those he loved.

Those left to cherish Tony's memory include his beloved wife, Tina Elaine Mitchell Brown; his children, Chad and wife, Gina, of Concord; Eric and wife, Kelly, of China Grove; Amanda and husband, Jon, of Mt. Pleasant; Dana and husband, Roger, of Kannapolis; and Chris of China Grove; his grandchildren, Zachary, Dylan, Landon, Sherri, Mariah, Dalton, Rylan, and Devin; his brother, Eric Brown of Landis; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

If you would like to make a donation, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28083.

Wilkinson Funeral Home is assisting the Brown family