Ralph W. “Butch” Brown 82, of Mingo Junction, OH, passed away Thursday July 30, 2026 the Shadyside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

He was born December 28, 1943 in Rush Run, OH a son of the late Ralph H. and Beatrice “Betty” (Bensie) Brown Fabry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shelby Taylor; a grandson, Gabriel Corona; and his step-father, Andrew “Shag” Fabry.

Butch was a self-employed truck driver and the owner of RW Brown Trucking. Known to many fellow truckers as “Sunshine,” he built a reputation through years of hard work on the road. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne and was a member of Brilliant American Legion Post 573. Butch also owned the B.B.C. in Brilliant and belonged to the Brilliant Boat Club, the V.F.W. in Yorkville, ABATE, and Steubenville Masonic Lodge #45, where he was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner.

Butch was truly a jack of all trades, and there seemed to be nothing he could not do or fix. Over the years, he worked for Laborers 809, Iron Workers 549, and Boilermakers 154. Away from work, he enjoyed collecting things, painting, drawing, carpentry, and watching NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt. He was also well known around the local dirt track racing scene and had a lifelong love for hot rods and Harleys.

He is survived by a son, Bryan Brown of Mingo Junction, OH; a daughter, Tawnya Corona of Steubenville, OH; his companion of 23 years, Pam Dudzik of Martins Ferry, OH; a brother, Bruce (Pam) Brown of Toronto, OH; a sister, Brenda (Randy) Banal of Smithfield, OH; a granddaughter, Kylee (Cody) Saltkield; and two great-granddaughters, Eliza and Eleah Saltkield.

Friends will be received at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant, OH, on Wednesday August 5th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. There will be a legion service at 4:00 p.m. and his funeral service will follow with Kenny Korium, Jr., officiating. Private inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery in Hopedale, OH.

Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.