Brother Phil Brown

Brother Phil Brown, 70, of New Castle, went home to be with his Lord, Savior, and best friend early Sunday morning, June 7, 2026, at Henry Community Health. He was born June 28, 1955, in Albany, Kentucky, a son of the late Howard James and Bercie Florence (Radford) Brown. Phil was a 1973 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School. On August 15, 1975, he married the love of his life and faithful ministry companion, Christina McGaha, beginning a partnership that would span five decades. At the age of 33, Phil answered the Lord’s call to ministry. For the past 35 years, he faithfully served as pastor of Northside Church of God. Known affectionately as “Bro. Phil,” he devoted his life to shepherding others, sharing God’s love, and walking alongside his church family through both joyful and difficult seasons. Phil worked for Astral Casket Company in Lynn for more than 20 years and later retired from Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo following 15 years of service. He was a kind and caring man whose warm smile and servant’s heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Phil consistently put others before himself and deeply loved his grandchildren, though his greatest joy was always his family. Phil enjoyed “tinkering” on cars, woodworking, and creating things with his hands. He especially enjoyed fishing at his friend Dallas’s property. A hardworking man, he took great pride in making special chests for each of his children and grandchildren—gifts that will remain treasured reminders of his love. He also enjoyed collecting coins. Those left to cherish Bro. Phil’s memory include his wife of 50 years, Chris Brown; two sons, Phillip Michael (Ashley) Brown and Steven Howard Brown, both of New Castle; a daughter, Rachel Rene Johnson of New Castle; his grandchildren, Makayla Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Mikenley Brown, Isaac Brown, Addy Brown, Emmy Brown, and Coltynn “Matthew” Johnson; siblings, Glenda Brown (Don) of Georgia, Tim (Debbie) Brown of Leitchfield, KY, Buffy Brown of Detroit, Michigan, and Betsy (Donnie) Collins of Byrdstown, TN; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Bro. Clifford Price and Pastor Rick Evans officiating. Burial will follow in Mooreland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4–8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be offered to Northside Church of God or to Grandma Katie McClure’s Reading Endowment Fund through the Henry County Community Foundation (HCCF) by Clicking Here. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Brother Phil Brown.

Tributes

Brother Phil Brown

June 28, 1955 - June 7, 2026