NATCHEZ — “In 1948, God planted a seed here on Earth,” Chief Deputy Charlie Sims said, addressing a church full of those gathered to honor the life of Adams County Sheriff Ronny Brown. “It became a beautiful flower, and in 2009 he took that flower home.”

Brown, 60, died Wednesday at his home in Natchez from a heart attack.

But on Saturday, those gathered at Parkway Baptist Church weren’t dwelling on Brown’s death — they were remembering his life.

And by speakers and well-wishers alike, Brown was remembered fondly.

“He was my boss, my mentor and my friend,” Sims said.

As Sims spoke, pews full family members, community leaders and law enforcement officials from across the state offered each other comfort and consolation.

Those who packed pews, were a testament to just how many lives Brown touched, Sims said.

And just how many lives, and the diversity of those lives, became apparent when it came time for people to share their memories of the sheriff.

From the balcony of the church, Patricia Hoggatt stood to speak.

Several years ago Brown was her parole officer.

Two drug related charges brought Brown and Hoggatt together.

“He was always straight forward and honest with me,” Hoggatt said loudly from the balcony. “And he spoke up for me when a lot of people wouldn’t.”

After the service, Hoggatt said she’s sure God put Brown in her life.

“He made me feel loved,” she said. “And God used him to do good in my life. (Brown’s) the one who helped me to make a change.”

But as fondly as Brown is remembered, those in the community are now forced to deal with his loss.

Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said Brown won’t be easily replaced.

“He could always see the big picture,” Mullins said. “There was never a problem he couldn’t work out.”

Mullins said he particularly admired Brown’s ability to work with other law enforcement agencies when the time came.

“He was an excellent example to officers and law enforcement leaders in the state,” he said. “I know he was for me.”

But Adams County Sheriff’s Investigator Ricky Stevens said he and his fellow deputies will just be taking each day as it comes until a new sheriff is elected.

“They are going to have some big shoes to fill,” Stevens said. “It won’t be easy.”

On Monday the Adams County Board of Supervisors will appoint a new sheriff until a special election in November.

Stevens and several supervisors said they’d like to see Brown’s widow, Angie, take her husband’s post until November.

But not even the appointment of a new sheriff will fill the void Brown left.

“We’re going to miss him,” Stevens. “We’re going to miss him for a long time.”