Chip Alan Brown, 64, of Elm Springs, Ark. passed away at home on Sunday, March 22, 2026, following a year-long battle with cancer. He had the privilege of spending his final days surrounded by friends and family along with plenty of laughter, good food, storytelling, hugs, tears, letters, and tributes. The night before he passed, he was blessed to watch his Nebraska Cornhuskers earn a spot in the Sweet Sixteen Men’s basketball Tournament.

Chip was born on May 25,1961 in North Platte to Harold and Nadine (Hinton) Brown. He grew up in Curtis, graduating from Medicine Valley High School in 1979. Here he was surrounded by both sets of wonderful grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins. He loved all sports, and played quarterback, pitcher, and point guard in high school. He was the Homecoming King, and was known for his big smile, booming laugh, and genuine concern for others.

When he was 17, Chip had an encounter with God that changed his life. He not only surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ but led many of his friends to faith in Christ. After high school, Chip attended missionary training at Youth With A Mission in Elm Springs. At YWAM, he met his wife Lory Nutt, who happened to be a fellow Nebraskan. For the next 20 years they led mission teams to Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and the inner city of Kansas City. Chip’s gleaming smile, compassion, and love for others gave him great favor with church leaders, political leaders and city officials wherever he served.

In 2003, Chip & Lory opened the Samaritan Shop thrift store in Springdale, Ark. to help those in need in Northwest Arkansas. This became the catalyst for starting a permanent Samaritan Community church, food pantry, and free lunch program in Springdale. The thrift store was a constant source of ministry for Chip, as he was frequently asked to pray and counsel customers, as well as many volunteers and community service workers.

In 2011, Chip and Lory started Good Shepherd In-Home Senior Care, providing caregivers for seniors who needed assistance at home. In 2016, they added Good Shepherd Transportation services for wheelchair transport, and in 2023 they added Good Shepherd Medical ambulance transport. Their heart has always been to share Christ by example through the workplace.

Perhaps Chip’s greatest achievement has been the honor of being a father to Joel, Justin, Jamie, and Melissa. They each have caught the vision for treating people the way Christ would with compassion and love. The icing on top has been the addition of 4 grandchildren who have made the past 4 years the most enjoyable years of Chip’s life. He loved being a “papa.”

Chip is survived by his wife, Lory (Nutt) Brown; four children, Joel (Kelly) Brown, Justin Brown, Jamie (Louie) Galloway and Melissa Brown; four grandchildren, Greyson & Bonnie Galloway, Avalyn and Peyton Brown; siblings, Rick (Elaine Brown) of Indianapolis and Nick (Amy) Brown and Jill (Adam) Patel, both of Curtis.

Chip was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nadine (Hinton) Brown; in laws, Larry and Betty Nutt; grandparents, Dale and Iola Hinton, Kenneth and Leona Brown; uncles, Robert Brown, Don Hinton, Al Moore, Jerry Pike; aunt Judy Moore; and cousin, Jeff Pike.

Celebration of Life Service will be at Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas, 1151 W. Pleasant Grove, Rogers, AR 72758 on Saturday April 18 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be prior at 1 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Nicole’s House of Rogers, Ark. or the charity of your choice. Memorials may be directed to family at 507 N Elm St, Springdale, AR 72762.

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