About 30 years ago, I worked with Tom on a major report on impacts and management of invasive species in Florida, and then again when the report was transformed into an important book, "Strangers in Paradise."  He showed great insight in recognizing a really important environmental problem and in bringing together people who could sketch out the extent of the problem and ways to deal with it, and he also showed some courage in raising points that were not always politically popular.  His was a long life well lived.  My condolences to his family.

After leaving public office, Tom worked for several years with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where he served as Chief of the Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management. His leadership had a significant impact on addressing the growing problem of invasive plant and animal species in Florida. Tom also co-edited a landmark book published by Island Press, titled *Strangers in Paradise: Impact and Management of Nonindigenous Species in Florida*, which focused on the issue of biological invasions. His unwavering commitment to protecting Florida's remaining natural areas, preserving its biodiversity, and his deep understanding of the legislative process for securing funding for natural resource protection, earned him a lasting reputation as one of the best bureau chiefs we ever had. Personally, working with Tom was the highlight of my career.  My sincere condolences to his family.  May he Rest in Peace.

I wanted to share a memory of two to honor my dad. I am one of his children who is thankful for his life and example. I thank the  Lord that He allowed him to live long enough for me to see and gain some insight into the man behind the parent. 
One of the things that impressed me most was the gentle spirit which grew in him as he aged.  Many people choose the path of resentment and bitterness as they age but he chose the better path. In his later years whenever I would send him a father's day card, expressing my admiration for him, he would always reply that he appreciated the thoughts but they were not true of him.  His reply always felt a little like rejection but rang true.  No person deserves those kind of accolades except the Heavenly Father and His Son Christ Jesus. In the end, for each of us, it goes back to a statement of Jesus in Mark 12...Did we allow ourselves to know and to love the Lord and did we do right by those we came in contact with by putting their needs above our own. The greatest gift our dad ever gave his children was to introduce us to the One who can make all things right...to take our focus off of an earthly dad who always tried but failed on many occasions and onto a Heavenly Father who never fails.  Thank you Dad for that gift.  We will always love you.

Senator Tom Brown was a friend and an honorable person.  I had the privilege of serving with him in the Florida House of Representatives and  the Florida Senate.  He was soft spoken, never raising his voice in anger.  Tom was a strong voice for the people, especially children.  He could be counted on for a truthful, well analyzed explanation of issues.   I was saddened to hear of his passing.  The many treasured memories he shared with his family will last forever.

I was saddened to learn of Tom's passing.  I had the privilege of serving with him during his legislative years and also when I was Commissioner of Education.  He was an outspoken supporter of our public schools and a true gentleman at all times.  He served his country, his county and the people of Florida.  For that I and many others are grateful.
Sincerely,
Betty Castor

Though we served under different parties, Tom was always courteous, quiet and devoted to our Lord. He inspired all of us who had the privilege of serving with him to do right and be better servants

Thank you Senator Brown for the kindness and respect you showed for so many and for your commitment to protect Florida’s environment.

This was my Papa. He baptized me when I was 12 years old. I served as a Page and a Messenger in the Florida Capitol as a young man while he was a Representative and later a Senator. He was a good man who cared deeply about protecting the natural resources of Florida and his constituents in Volusia County. 
   He will be greatly missed and his memory will live on thru his family. 

God bless you all ! Papa, may  you rest in the arms of Jesus as he has surely welcomed you home. 

Matt Pearson

OBITUARY

Tommy Clarence Brown

August 26, 1933 – September 1, 2024

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home

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