Mark Hance Browne

Mark Hance Browne passed away February 3rd, 2015, at Big Bend House Hospice following a lengthy illness, peacefully, and surrounded by his family. He was 72. Mark was born on August 1st, 1942, in Apalachicola, Florida, the second of three children to Doris Hance Browne and John Earl Browne. Mark grew up in Apalachicola and graduated from Chapman High School.He earned a degree from Florida State University in Criminology, during which time he served as First Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. He began a career with Pinkerton's, Incorporated, as a Pinkerton detective. He used this experience to form his own security company, the Raven Company, in Baltimore, Maryland.Later he worked as a real estate broker for Hollywood, Inc., in Miami, Florida, and in Apalachicola, where he created the M.H. Browne brokerage firm. Mark was actively involved as a member of the Lions Club, the Tallahassee Exchange Club, the Cotillion Club, and the Florida Parole Commission. However, his membership and participation in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Apalachicola, and First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Florida, were particularly meaningful to him. He enjoyed traveling, sailing and had numerous adventures doing both including a stint as a chef in Montserrat.He excelled as a caregiver, not only for his mother, but also for numerous relatives and friends. An avid hunter and fisherman, he collected guns, friends, and stories. Mark loved history, lively yet friendly debates about politics, and Florida State football. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Fletcher Browne; his daughter Katherine Browne Brown of Starkville, Mississippi; his daughter Kelly Browne of New Orleans, Louisiana; his stepson Ryan Cole of Baltimore, Maryland; his grandchildren: Rush, Ben, Meg, and Kate Brown, all of Starkville, Mississippi; one sister, Mary Jane Vossler, of Tallahassee, Florida; one brother, John Browne, Jr, of Sopchoppy, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews.Mark was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, a beloved brother and uncle, and a loyal friend. His quick wit, generous and thoughtful spirit, and charismatic personality will be missed by all who those who knew him. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 7th, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Apalachicola, Florida, from 10 am until noon, with Mass following at noon.There will be a reception after the service at the Hodges Willis House, at the corner of 10th and Bay in Apalachicola. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Big Bend Hospice.