Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Brown received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from the University of Michigan in 1939, and a Bachelor of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1942.

He was a lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1942 to 1946.

[1] Brown was nominated by President John F. Kennedy on August 7, 1961, to the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, to a new seat authorized by 75 Stat.

His service terminated on September 26, 1979, due to elevation to the Sixth Circuit.

[1] Brown was nominated by President Jimmy Carter on March 15, 1979, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit vacated by Judge Harry Phillips.