Joel Ellsworth Brown, a man of deep community roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, in his lifelong home of Burlington, North Ca

Joel Ellsworth Brown, a man of deep community roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, in his lifelong home of Burlington, North Carolina. He was 72 years old.Born on June 5, 1953, to Claude Ellsworth Brown and Ruth Mable Brown, Joel’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, warmth, and the simple joy of bringing people together.Joel’s journey began in Alamance County, where he attended Western Alamance High School before pursuing higher education at Elon College. His education laid the foundation for a deep love for the Town of Elon. His innate ability to connect with people defined his professional life. As the visionary founder of Brown and Company and the beloved Sidetrack Grill, Joel did not just build businesses; he created spaces for community and connection. Sidetrack Grill, in particular, became a reflection of his own heart—a place where good food met genuine hospitality, and where every guest was treated like an old friend. . Along the way, Joel continually re-invested in the community through his investments in residential and commercial properties in downtown Elon and beyond, providing space for students and businesses to thrive from the 1970s to today.An avid fisherman, he was happiest with a rod in his hand, casting lines into the water where the world slowed down. He cherished his time with his family and friends at Holden Beach. His love for fishing developed at an early age. He will be remembered by many for his time spent on his boat, the Second Love, fishing for drum with his wife Beverly.Joel’s legacy of love, laughter, and integrity lives on through his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly Amelia Brown, who was his partner in all of life’s great adventures. He leaves behind his legacy to his three daughters, Whitney Lauren Brown Sandor, (John E. Sandor) Mary Mackenzie Brown (Clifford Chase Almany) and Justin Brown Duszlak (Edward Joseph Duszlak III).  He is also survived by his sisters, Lynette Brown Stuart and Hope Brown Shepherd, who shared in the foundational memories of his youth. Joel’s spirit will undoubtedly live on in his six grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years: John Edward Sandor Jr., Mary Amelia Sandor, Oliver Gray Sandor, Louden Joel Sandor, Edward Joseph Duszlak IV, and Theodore William Duszlak. To them, he leaves a blueprint of how to live a life of purpose, generosity, and kindness.A service to honor and celebrate Joel’s rich life will be held on June 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Saint Mark's Church in Burlington, N.C.Because Joel always preferred a celebration to a somber gathering, friends and family are invited to raise a glass, share stories, and honor his memory immediately following the service at a Celebration of Life at MaGerk’s in Elon, N.C."To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Joel’s warmth will be felt for generations in the community he built and the family he adored.In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation