I had Whit as a student my first year of teaching, and he’s one I’d never forget. Funny, honest, and respectful. But what stands out the most is him reaching out a few years back, 14+ years after seeing him last. He just wanted to say thanks for being a great teacher and for the impact I had. It was completely  unexpected and meant so much to me. Then we proceeded to trash talk each other, which was completely expected but also meant so much to me. 

I’ve been thinking about him and his family ever since I heard the news of his passing and wanted to pass on my condolences. Whit was a great kid who turned into a great man. We’re all lucky to have known him.

As an officer of the HOA which he served for years on Maudina Ave, the neighbors would like to convey their thanks for his volunteer service keeping the bills paid, the landscaping in order, and most likely some random "what should we do about X" inquiries that leadership has to tackle.  So on behalf of the other 15 owners, we express our gratitude that he stepped up for so many years.  He was a gentle giant and will be missed in our community.

I’m glad to have had Whit for a neighbor. What a friendly, happy guy.  We had many conversations and he was always so agreeable and cheerful. And what a great sense of humor! He always left me smiling and laughing. He made me feel better about  myself and about life!  I don’t know how he did that. It was just his gift.  I’ll miss him very much. 

My condolences to his family. 

Sincerely, Tom Hibbett

The best way I can describe Whit is a man with a beautiful soul. We met in college and were fraternity brothers. Sadly we haven’t kept in touch well since college, but that doesn’t take away from all the great memories. I’ll always remember the year we were next door neighbors in the fraternity house. I spent more time in Whit’s room than my own. We’d sit on his couch and solve the worlds problems. Those days were filled with some of the fondest memories and hardest laughs of my life. Whit lived on the second floor in the corner. People would always come to see him and check in and maybe have a beer. If you hung out in Whits room for an hour you might see half a dozen people. When someone met Whit, it would only take a few seconds to discover his gregarious personality. Most fond to me will always be his kindness. Once I told him off hand I was having a hard time with my accounting class. The next day he sat with me in the library unsolicited and studied with me for an hour. Another time I brought a date to a wedding in Nashville that didn’t know a soul there. We met at Whits house before the wedding and he immediately gave her a big hug and made her feel welcome. The next day she couldn’t stop talking about how much she loved Whit. He was just a special one of a kind man. My heart breaks for the Brown family. I hope you find solace in the fact that you raised such a wonderful man that impacted more lives in a few decades than many do in a lifetime.

I graduated from Cullman High School in Cullman, AL in 2007.  From there I made the decision to take a leap of faith and further my education and enroll at Birmingham-Southern College.  Showing up to campus in the fall of '07, I did not know a single person in the incoming freshman class and moreover anyone attending the college.   I chose to join the Sigma Chi fraternity on a whim from an personal friend and alumni who recommended it to me.  Little did I know what type of profound impact the relationships I would create over the next three years would have on my life.  I became extremely close to so many people from all walks of life, and built relationships with people that were so different in their beliefs, backgrounds, and personalities than what I would consider the "norm" from my personal upbringing.  Whit was not one of these.  Two thousand words isn't enough for me to say what kind of person Whitney Joseph Brown was or what he meant to me.   Two thousand words is not enough space for me to tell the Brown family how sorry I am or how much he will be missed.   If you would have told me at BSC, I could create a human that will be the most kind-hearted, dependable, loving, caring, hard-working, smart, and gifted roommate/friend/brother imaginable-Whit Brown would have been that person.   He meant so much to so many people.  I know that if he was here now with me, he would probably tell me to quit being a "sissy" as I hold back tears writing this.  Life is so fragile and this world lost a great one far too soon.  I know one day we will meet again and I will get to hug his neck.  It gives me comfort to know he is in a better place.  Whit, I love you buddy and one day I promise to do my best to tackle you when we reunite!

Whit was one of my best friends for the better part of 20 years. I’ll miss him dearly. Like many others, I’ll always remember his booming laugh, his quick wit and his ability to light up a room with his presence. But mostly I’ll remember his loyalty, his kindness and his genuine love for his friends and family. I spent many of my nights and weekends during high school sitting at Mike and Karen’s, laughing until my stomach was in knots. I’ll never forget walking through the front door and seeing Whit and Baxter barreling towards me. There are few places I felt more at home than in that house. 
In the years since, my visits to Nashville have always been highlighted with catch-up porch talks and trading stories that were always embellished for effect (another of Whit’s special talents). We picked up right where we left off every time. 
I’m terribly sad to lose someone who has brought so much joy to my life and who has always been just a phone call away. I’m grateful to have had Whit in my life for so long though. In the decades we shared, we laughed enough to fill many lifetimes. We’re all so lucky to have known him and had our day’s brightened by presence.

My whole family has a broken heart.  We ache for the loss our close family friend.  We send our deepest condolences to Karen, Mike and Whit’s sisters. Yet at the same time, we have a full heart.  Esther and I were  privileged  to know Whit,  and  see him grow into a caring man.  We valued his friendship and that of his  grandparents of blessed memory.

Whit chose to come to JPII and made an immediate impression on everyone. Gregarious, funny, honest, opinionated and amazingly comfortable in speaking with anyone about anything anywhere. I remember especially our Greek class which he took as a freshman. His conversational prowess meant we regularly discussed all topics except Greek. He was a student who sought you out to tell a joke, ask a question, and have a discussion. Whit had a preternatural love of school and school community life. I was so pleased to follow his career in college and beyond. Whit, you leave your family and many friends heartbroken and inconsolable because of the light you brought to our lives. In Christ may you find rest.

Whit was a great kid that I  enjoyed coaching on the football field. He was always respectful and a hard working.

Whit and I worked together at EY and spent countless hours in the audit room at NHC together. He was such a special and kind person. Even up until a couple of months ago, a full 10 years since we’ve seen each other, he was so good at keeping in touch and reliving those memories. He often spoke of his sisters and parents so fondly, my first thought was to how devastating this loss is for all of you. My heart aches for everyone who loved Whit and I know the list is long.

Whit and I went to high school and got to know each other first through the years we were on the football team. I was always jealous of his dominating size, especially playing on the offensive line, but most enjoyed getting to know him those early years. Although we found ourselves in different friend groups through the years at JP2, I always thought of Whit as a really good guy and witnessed him as a great friend to those around him. Rest peacefully Whit!

Whit was among the first people I met on BSC's campus in the fall of 2007.  He spoke loudly and towered over me.  His presence was, in several respects, intimidating.  However, as I got to know Whit and our friendship developed, I learned that "intimidating" was only a word used by those that had not experienced his heart.  He cherished friendships, and he brought entertainment and joy to every social setting.  His love for a good time, however, was dwarfed by the love he expressed for his family.  He heaped praise on those involved in his upbringing and was quick to tell stories and kind words about all.  Still, there was no more special places in his heart than those he kept for his mother and the "little hellions," the name he lovingly gave to his young sisters.  Whit had the strength to step in front of a train for a person in need, and he had the decency to provide a hug to those in sorrow.  Whit was imposing while remaining amiable and simple while remaining complex.  With his passing, the world lost a titan.

In hoc signo vinces.

Whit was a fine young man whom I taught at JPII. He was always positive and friendly and had a wonderful smile that really picked up your spirits. I'm proud to say that I gave Whit his first (and maybe only) detention in high school. I don't think he cared for that gift, but... I pray for his family, such good and loving people. 

May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Whit was a great guy and I appreciate my time working with him at Acadia. I really enjoyed talking football and the PGA with him. He will be missed by many. Prayers and condolences to the Brown family.

During their college years, Whit attended several of our family Christmas parties with Sam. He was funny, quick witted, easy going, a BIG presence in so many ways!  A SHINING LIGHT!  
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the MERCY of God, rest in peace.  AMEN. Eternal rest grant unto him O LORD, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

My fondest memories of Whit from family celebrations 
Are of him as a big beautiful bear of a guy …
Yet so tender when his was with his baby sisters . 

Extending a warm hug of condolences to all of his family -
Margaret Bishop Baier 
New Orleans

OBITUARY

Whitney Joseph Langreck Brown

December 5, 1988 – August 12, 2024

Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home

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