Former Bank of America, Hendrick Automotive exec and philanthropist Ed Brown dies

Edward “Ed” Brown III, a Charlotte business leader and philanthropist, died Monday. He was 74.

According to Brown’s obituary at Legacy.com, he fought a two-year battle with an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Brown spent more than three decades working under Hugh McColl, the former Bank of America CEO, until McColl retired in 2001. Brown retired from the Charlotte-based bank in 2004 as president of global corporate and investment banking.

But Brown wasn’t done making an impact.

In 2010, he joined Hendrick Automotive Group, as chief financial officer and became CEO on Jan. 1, 2011, according to Hendrick Automotive. One of the largest privately-held auto retailers in the U.S., Hendrick Automotive has over 90 dealerships from the Carolinas to California.

In 2020, Brown retired, again, at age 71.

“Not only did Ed help us navigate historically complex issues, he led our company to significant growth and multiple years of record revenue, including 2019,” Hendrick Automotive founder Rick Hendrick said in a statement announcing Brown’s retirement.

Hendrick said Brown’s passion for expanding corporate social responsibility programs left “an indelible mark” on the company’s culture and communities it serves.

Brown credited McColl for honing his leadership skills and Hendrick for teaching him the joy of giving to others.

Deep ties to Queens University of Charlotte

Brown and his bride of 33 years Jan Hall Brown, a graduate of Queens University of Charlotte, invested in student and residential life at Queens.

Their name adorns Hall Brown Overcash Residence Hall and Hall Brown Terrace, a gathering space behind Queens Hall that hosts events including commencement.

The Browns also have an endowed scholarship established in memory of Jan’s late parents, Hope and Pat Hall.

Queens credited the Brown’s for sewing similar donations that “significantly enhanced the undergraduate student experience.”

“We mourn the loss of this incredibly generous man whose impact will forever be embedded in Queens’ history,” Dan Lugo, Queens president, said in a statement.

Supporting Atrium Health

In addition to supporting Queens, the Browns supported other causes, including Atrium Health.

The Jan and Ed Brown Center for Pulmonary Medicine in Charlotte spans 10,000 square feet on the third floor of the Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute medical office building on Kenilworth Avenue.

“He treated everyone equally. Every time I go to see my pulmonary doctor I will remember Ed fondly,” Sharon Dalton said on Legacy.com.

The Jan and Ed Brown Pulmonary Medicine Advancement Fund at Atrium Health Foundation supports clinical research and medical care.

And Brown served on the Atrium Health Board of Commissioners for 19 years, including as chairman from 2013 to 2021.

“From challenging us to build new access care sites in vulnerable communities to making sure we took care of our own teammates to pushing us to invest our resources in Black-owned equity firms, Ed worked tirelessly to make certain that Atrium Health was truly a place ‘for all,’ ” Advocate Health CEO Eugene Woods said on LinkedIn.

In December, Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health formed Advocate Health.

Fond memories of Ed Brown

At the heart of Brown’s legacy is helping others find joy.

“Every once in a while you meet someone who is such a joy to talk to, who always takes the time to greet you, spend a little time with you and make you feel good. Ed was that type of person, a very special man. He will be missed,” Kevin Dyck said on Legacy.com.

The Browns loved decorating for the holidays. The pair won CharlotteFive’s 2021 holiday lights bracket contest. That year, their home in Charlotte included 20-foot tall blowups and lights with a Ferris wheel and a Let it Snow display.

“The key for us is bringing the joy to a lot of people who ride by our house who take in the Christmas spirit,” Brown said then. “We’re excited that so many people are decorating their yards to provide great memories to individuals who drive by and enjoy the labors of their work.”

Brown is survived by his wife, two daughters, Emily Brown and Allison Brown Rau, and two grandchildren.

A visitation service will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 11, followed by a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. April 12 at the church. The service will be live-streamed.

Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.