Thomas J. Brown

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tommy Brown, 47, of Ormond Beach, on Friday, January 2, 2009 after a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Wanda Brown; sons, Devin andDerek Brown; mother, Jane Brown; and sister, Larissa Macaluso. Tommy was originally from Vineland, NJ, born August 1, 1961, and was the son of Jane and the late, Richard Brown. Tommy was well known nationally and internationally as a billiard player. He was a member of the Men's Professional Billiards Association and at one time was ranked 8th in the world. He competed professionally throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He won the Florida State 9-Ball Championship, the European 8-Ball and 9-Ball Championships, and he placed eighth, and was one of three Americans invited to the invitation only 9-Ball Championship in Taipei, Taiwan. Tommy was written up in the Billiards Digest, a renowned billiard magazine, as the hot, new up and coming player of the year in 1988. He was nominated for the Billiards Hall of Fame in 2007. Tom and Wanda moved to Ormond Beach in 1990 and opened Brown's Billiards in Holly Hill. Brown's Billiards has become a local hot-spot for up and coming billiards players, many of whom Tommy mentored and gave private lessons to. Brown's Billiards has hosted many Pro and Amateur tournaments throughout its 20 year history. He touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held at Haigh-Black Funeral Home, 167 Vining Court, Ormond Beach from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m on Monday, January 5, 2009. A mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. Paul on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 1 p.m., with Father Tim Daly as celebrant. Private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Devin and Derek's college savings account. On behalf of his family, all are invited to a reception Tuesday evening, January 6th from 5 until 7 p.m. at Brown's Billiards, located at 1595 Nova Road in Holly Hill.