William Samuel Brown
William Samuel Brown of Gulf Breeze, Florida, died on May 24th in Savannah, Georgia. He was born July 30, 1979, son of Dr. Thomas and Lita Brown.
Will was a star tennis player, reaching a top 30 national ranking in the 18 and under division. He played college tennis at the University of Florida.
He graduated from the University of Florida as an honor student, Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to finish medical school in 2009 at Nova Southeastern with honors, and he completed his residency in radiology from Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.
Will had many passions in life: enjoying late night dinners at his parents' home with family and friends; seeking spiritual development through reading and conversation; skiing with his family and friends in Keystone, Colorado; scuba diving with his brothers David and Tad; exploring the internet for new music and learning the chords on his guitar; watching and playing tennis with his friends; attending music festivals around the Southeast with his brothers and friends; and talking the fine points of medical cases with his dad, a radiologist, and his two older brothers, Alex and Tad, both doctors. He loved to orchestrate reunions and parties bringing his family and friends together. He was a beloved son and brother, a treasured friend, a dedicated doctor, and a truly generous and sensitive soul.
William is survived by his brothers, Tad, Alex, and David Brown, by his nieces, Maddie and Hadley, by his nephews, Alex Jr. and Thomas and by his sister-in-laws, Sage and Nancy Brown. He is survived by many cherished uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. He survived his maternal grandparents, Amelita and William Huffman, of Pensacola, Florida, and his paternal grandparents, Eula and Samuel Brown, of Shelby, North Carolina. He survived his mentor, Willie Rankin, of Pensacola, Florida. He leaves behind many beloved friends, including Brandon Adams, Scott Rayner, Tim Handley, Chris Petrakis, Nick Gibson, and Eduardo Maristany.
A service of memorial will be held for Will at 3:00 pm on Friday, May 30, 2014 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 1 St. Francis Drive, in Gulf Breeze, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org) or to St. Francis Church.
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Thinking of you, Lita, Tom, and your family. I can still see the tennis coach come bounding in when Will was at UWF Admissions!
Susie Cohan
May 22, 2023
It’s been almost seven years since you left this earthly realm and this place is darker without your beautiful smile, your compassionate, caring ways, the love you offered so freely and your marvelous light that brightened a room when you entered. I know you are happy and that you walk the streets of gold in Heaven with Jesus by your side. It is us who are left behind who grieve your loss so much. I know I will see you again. I just miss you so.
Miriam
Friend
May 23, 2021
I will never forget him I met him in gym at fitness one at memorial hospital.i had a gator t shirt on first time we met .we became friends instantly plus we worked out together.he was a great human being .god bless you my friend.mike cohen, savannah ga
Mike cohen
Friend
May 22, 2021
I met him at fitness one in memorial hospital he would help in my training we had something in common being FLA gators.he was a great human being always asking me about my family.i still think him alot,god bless him and his family .the world is a better place because he was in it .
Mike Cohen
Friend
May 22, 2020
Sara Cohan
May 22, 2020
We all miss you Will. Hope you are still watching out for me up there. All my love, Sarah Jane
Sarah Jane Doty
Friend
May 22, 2019
I really my fellow FLA gator we had alot of fun working out at fitness one at memorial hospital ,he was a prince of a guy .still missed ,god bless him and his family
Mike Cohen
Friend
May 22, 2019
To Kendall and the Brown family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know William personally but feel saddened by the pain and sadness that the Brown family is feeling. I will be sending you lots of love and well wishes.
Laura Denoux
August 2, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with your family. I was saddened to hear of the loss of such a great man and co-resident. A brilliant mind, a compassionate human and a kind soul. He is missed greatly.
Jennifer Pavlo
June 3, 2014
Tom, Lita, and all your Family ... you are every day in my thoughts and prayers. It is so hard to find the words to express the sadness which all of us feel at this time. I guess the greatest joy that you can imagine now is that time when you will be reunited with Will ... and that will surely be "joy in the morning"! May God embrace you in His loving care until that glorious reunion occurs.
Don Crawley
June 3, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Michelle Knisely
June 3, 2014
Dear Tad,
We have not seen each other in a while; I am sorry to have to reconnect with you after hearing of your loss. I want to send you my deepest sympathy and condolences. I did not have the opportunity to meet Will, but I am certain he was a quality guy like you. Please send my sincerest regards to your family. I hope the next time we meet will be in happier times. Be well, and all my best to you and your family, Eric
Eric Chang
June 2, 2014
I am deeply sorry about the loss of Will. I met him at the gym and he was the kindest, nicest young man every time I spoke with him. He always seemed so happy. I cannot imagine not seeing him or speaking with him again. May God be at this very sad time. I am praying for you.
Sandy Goddard
June 1, 2014
My prayers goes out to the Brown family that God gives you strength in the time of your loss. Will was a great guy to workout with at Memorial Health in Savannah.
Sandy Pusha
May 31, 2014
Tad I am so sorry to hear about Will's passing. I have you and your entire family in my prayers.
Vera FitzPatrick
May 31, 2014
This from Tim Handley's Mom....hard to find comforting words that help, with your incredible loss. We have been through a suicide too in our family 28 years ago. Deepest possible sympathy to you all and may the Highest Power help you on your journey to find peace.
Merrie Ann Handley Turner
May 31, 2014
Tad- I'm so sad to hear about your loss. I never met Will and wish I'd had the chance. You were so kind to us when we lost Thad. Hopefully it gives you some comfort to think that Thad's extending the same courtesy to your brother now...touring the heavens in a two seater plane, doing tricks and giggling...
Hope Ruiz
May 30, 2014
Tom I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your son William, you and your family are in my prayers.
Robert Miller
May 30, 2014
Doctor Brown I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. May the Lord give you peace and comfort in your time of greiving.
James Lee
May 30, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Brown Family. May the Lord bless you with his gentle kindness,and comfort.Dr Alex Brown is our hem/onc doctor . I am heart sad for him and his family.
Annie Gonzales
May 30, 2014
My deepest sympathy to a very dear family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia Hieserman Matthews
May 30, 2014
Sending prayers to all of the Brown family! I will always cherish the times that our families spent together on the courts! Will will be missed so much! I am so sorry that we will not be able to make it in person to the memorial service-we are living in Nebraska. My thoughts will be with you during this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carrie DeManss (Gracey)
May 30, 2014
Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Adam & Robbie Schrock
May 30, 2014
to the family my deepest sympathies,i met Dr Brown in the gym at memorial hospital in sav ga.what a great human being and a fellow GATOR .i will miss him and our workouts .he was a dedicated to his profession and he told me about his brothers and parents.i felt like i knew the family.we had dinner a few times and loved hearing about my grandson i shared pics with him!!it was an honor knowing him ,i will miss him greatly
god bless him and let him rest in peace .many prayers will be said for him.i can be reached at [email protected]
Mike Cohen
May 30, 2014
On behalf of my wife Kathy, Jason, Adam our sons and myself Dennis Young, we are truly sorry for the loss of your beloved son, brother and our Friend. Will is going to be sorely missed by all, but will live on in the hearts and souls of us all. I was not privileged to know him as a grown mature young man, but from the sounds of the words mentioned by his friends he grew to be a fine young man that donated to the positive of society. Someone we could all be proud of. Not much different from the way I remember him as a little guy. May God bless and carry you through this time that you are going through.
Dennis Young
Dennis Young
May 30, 2014
So sorry for the loss of such a seemingly fine young man. I remember Will from his tennis days in Pensacola when he played at the Pensacola Racquet Club. Dr. Tom Brown is a colleague in Pensacola.
Bob Frank
May 30, 2014
Like my sister, Rebecca, I would also babysit the boys when they were younger. Much younger. Your family is in my prayers.
Pam Hunt Caddell
Pam Caddell
May 30, 2014
Dear Tom and Lita, my heart goes out to you and the family on this most difficult day. We are saddened by your lose of an outstanding and caring son who did so much for others. We remember dad playing tennis with Will and saying what a talented player he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are with you in spirit all day today.
Suzanne and Jim Hieserman
May 30, 2014
Will means so much to so many people. He was always generous with his kindness. Love & prayers for the Brown family.
May 30, 2014
Fond memories of Will and Alex in high school. My parents and I were blessed to have known the Brown family. May God give you strength to get through the days ahead.
Wendy Holston Anderson
May 30, 2014
Growing up Will was an inspiration to many of what hard work could do for you on and off the court. He was a star tennis player. I will never forget how kind he was to me and his passion and love for people and the game. Wishing love and peace in your heart.
Brennan Beasley
May 30, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I'll be praying for you.
Allison Schlichter Barberi
May 30, 2014
Lita & Tom,
Our prayers are offered for Will and to each family member.
John & Linda Hall
Linda & John Hall
John & Linda Hall
May 29, 2014
Tom and Lita, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your son. You both are in my thoughts and in my heart during this very difficult time in your lives, and I offer you my deepest sympathy.
Angel Dudley Teer
May 29, 2014
Will was a a delight. Pleasure to have known him through medical school. Even knee deep in anatomy books that smile shone on. What a loss for us as the class of 2009 and for all that knew him. Wishing you all the peace and comfort you can find.
Jeanine Martin
May 29, 2014
To the Brown Family,
Your Will came to our tennis club here in Gainesville after he graduated from UF, and actually coached our women's day league team for one season. He was an awesome player and coach, and a very dear person. My friends and I really enjoyed getting to know him...he was fun, had a great sense of humor, and was always so very kind. He patiently tolerated our silliness and teasing with him about "if we were only 20 years younger" like the good sport that he was. Will spoke often of you all, his family, with much love and respect, and voiced his desire to be a physician "like his dad and brothers" frequently as well. To say we are heartbroken about Will is an understatement. May it somehow be a comfort to know that your son and brother will be missed here in the place he spent a special part of his life. Truly he blessed all who came to know him. With prayers of support, Julie
Julie Garrish
May 29, 2014
Always so kind. Had a smile for everyone. It's comforting to know that you've found your peace. RIP Dr. Will Brown.
Tara Adams
May 29, 2014
Tom & Lita
As I read Will's obituary it was such a sad reminder of your great loss. You are in our prayers.
Nick & Sharyn
Nick Gemelos
May 29, 2014
Will,
Can't truly believe any of this is real. Interacted with you numerous times during residency and have many fond memories of you and your Dad. May you rest in peace and say hello to the man above for me.
May 29, 2014
To the Brown Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am so very sorry for your loss.
JoAnn Ward Considine
May 29, 2014
Tom and Lita: Sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was an outstanding man. Our prayers are with you in this terrible time in your lives. Sincerely, Tom and Betsy Ellis
May 29, 2014
Will lives in our hearts as we remember him-a happy young man in tennis garb, tennis racquet in hand. Loved to watch his matches. Always the courteous young gentleman we admired and whose company we so enjoyed. Praying God's comfort on his family. He
is our loss also.
Fondly, Deck & Karen Couch
May 29, 2014
Dear Lita and Tom, I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious Will. I understand that he was truly an outstanding young man. You and your family are in my prayers. May the Lord sustain you with his comfort and strength.
Susalee Spruill
May 29, 2014
Dear Lita, Tom and all of Will's family,
I keep you in my prayers. Your wonderful son, Will, brought so much joy (and fun - such a great tennis player) to so many. His ability to heal brought comfort to so many. He will always remain in the hearts of so many. Love, Susie
susie cohan
May 29, 2014
My heart is heavy with sorrow. I babysit Tad, Alex, and Will for many years. I have so many fond memories of this wonderful family. May God watch over your family during this tragedy. Remember the good things in Will's life. We will see him again one day.
Rebecca Hunt Farmer
Rebecca Farmer
May 29, 2014
Tom, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful son. I will be thinking of you and your family in the coming days as you go through this difficult time.
Elizabeth (Cooper)Coffey, Shelby, NC SHS Class of '59
May 29, 2014
Tom and Lita, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you and your family find peace and strength in the days to come. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time in your lives.
Sue & Sam Stinson
May 29, 2014
Dr. Brown and family
Please know you are all in my prayers. May God bring comfort to you during this difficult time. God bless.
Robby Robertson HemOnc
May 28, 2014
Tom and Lita, my heart breaks for you. I pray that you will find strength and peace.
Ginger Green
May 28, 2014
Will was an idol to me as far as tennis was concerned and life in general. As a child, I was astonished that he would include me in warmups and even sometimes ask me to hit. I can remember being so very thrilled when I would see Will kindly sitting with Linsley or George watching me play at tournaments. He always had a way of making people feel comfortable...he always had a way of making me feel accepted...and yeah, maybe even a little bit cool! Will was an angel from my childhood who always made me smile and with tears I say, he will be greatly missed and he was and will always be greatly loved.
Sarah Jane Doty
May 28, 2014
Dear Tom and Lita,
Please know how deeply saddened Mike and I are to learn of this terrible loss you are experiencing at this time in your lives. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with all of you as we grieve for you.
May you find strength and peace as you move forward .
With all of you on our hearts,
Mike and Maxine
Mike and Maxine Kennedy
May 28, 2014
Jessica
May 28, 2014
Dr. Brown, Lita, Tad, & Family, So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for your son's passing.
Peter & Sandy McDavid
Peter & Sandy McDavid
May 28, 2014
We are so very sorry to hear this news and will hold your entire family up in prayer during this most difficult time.
Dr. & Mrs. John B. Grammer
May 28, 2014
Thomas and Lita, I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your beautiful and talented son. Please know that I will be praying for peace for you and your family at this very difficult time.
Suzanne Putnam Kiser
May 28, 2014
Dear Lita, Tom. Tad, Alex and David,
This is an overwhelming loss of your dear son and brother. All we can do is trust that our heavenly Father has Will in his care, and each of you also. We love you all, Joe and Cora Sue
May 28, 2014
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Brown family. Not only was Will a coworker in Radiology..he was my friend. I'm sorry for your loss of such a wonderful, generous young man.
Nicole Eason
May 28, 2014
As a Gulf Breeze resident from many years ago, I send my deepest sympathy to the family of this remarkable young man.........T attended Pensacola High School and the University of Florida......GOD BLESS!!
Richard (Les) Thompson
May 28, 2014
Dear Lita and Tom and the entire Brown Family, we cannot fully express our utter sorrow for your loss. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers today and in the coming days and months.
Nord Cofini and Sandra Peruzzi (Wilmington,NC)
May 28, 2014
Brown Family,
My deepest condolences and sympathies to you for the loss of an amazing human being, and one of the kindest souls I've met, Will. I have many memories of him patiently trying to teach me tennis at Roger Scott. I always knew him as an amazing person, with tremendous spirit. The world is amiss without him in it.
Fernanda Cutrone Krumm
May 28, 2014
Rest in peace. Your Memorial family will miss your smiling face.
Tammy Brazil
May 28, 2014
Tom, it is impossible to find the right words to send to you and your wife at this tragic time. You both are and will remain in my thoughts and prayers. My youngest son is also, "Will". May God be with you both.
In deepest sympathy,
Mae (Beattie) and George Kiritsis
Mae Kiritsis
May 28, 2014
Dear Tom and family, there are no words I can say that will make this lose you have experienced any easier. Just wanted you to knew, "I care", and my heart hurts for you. May you fine peace in wonderful memories,and through God's Grace.
Judie Rollins McSwain
May 28, 2014
Dr. Brown and family, I am so sorry to hear of Will's passing. My heart and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Sandy Terrazzino
May 28, 2014
Tom and Lita, I am so sorry to hear of your untimely loss.I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Ford, Class of '59
Ford McDonald
May 28, 2014
I still cannot believe that I won't see you everyday, with your beautiful smile. You made this world a better place and I shall miss you forever. Your heart was so kind, so caring, and while a light has gone out in this world, your light will shine forever. May God hold your family close, we lift them up in prayer and ask God for strength to get through these most difficult days ahead. I will love you and miss you always. M
Miriam Cribbs
May 28, 2014
I am so sorry that you and your family have suffered such a terrible loss. You all are in my heart.
Kirki Wilson
May 28, 2014
Dr. and Mrs. Brown and family,
I cannot adequately express my sorrow for all of you in the loss of such an amazing young man. I count myself as very lucky to have been a teacher at the Pensacola School of Liberal Arts while Will was in attendance. He was every positive thing everyone has posted about him and more. He was smart, funny, and talented. He had a wonderful desire to learn. He didn't need much encouragement or direction; he set his course and excelled at all of his tasks. He had this wonderful spirit that made him so much more than just a great student or tennis player. Teaching Will was a joy. I am very thankful for the short time that I was able to work with him. It was a privilege. Thank you for sending him to Liberal Arts, thank you for raising such a wonderful son. I will never forget him.
Ed Jennings
May 28, 2014
Dear Lita, Tom, and the Brown Family,
I hold all of you in my heart. There are simply no words to express my grief - you are in my prayers each and every day. Love
May 28, 2014
Dr. Brown, Mrs. Brown, Tad, Alex, David,
I'm extemely saddened by the death of Will. I have so many fond memories of Will to cherish. Some of the happiest times of my life was spent at your home with your beautiful family!I will never forget Will, he was such a beautiful person. Thanks so much for always welcoming and treating me and my family like family. I will keep all of you in my heart and prayers.
Patricia Holley-Jackson
May 28, 2014
Dear Tom and Lita,
Please know how deeply saddened Mike and I are to learn of this terrible loss you are experiencing at this time in your lives. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with all of you as we grieve for you.
May you find strength and peace as you move forward .
With all of you on our hearts,
Mike and Maxine
Mike and Maxine Kennedy
May 28, 2014
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Yvette Cruz
May 28, 2014
Dr. Will Brown, always a beautiful smile and a joyful heart. The long hours and tough days we had at Memorial and you were always a blessing to be around. Prayers to lift your family and all of the memorial family up. You made a stamp on me as a technologist and I am forever grateful to you. You will be missed .
Elizabeth MCCorkle
May 28, 2014
I cannot imagine the feelings of loss and emptiness you and your family members are experiencing with the passing of Will. I hope you can find comfort in the memories of happy times spent together. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mimi
Mimi Hirsch
May 28, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family and all those who are mourning Will's passing. He was an incredible soul with so much love and compassion. I will miss my bestie forever. The days without you will not be the same
Kassie Jones
May 28, 2014
My sincere sympathy to your family and all of your loved ones.
Anita Moss
May 28, 2014
Oh my dear Tom,Lita and entire Brown family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. You are in my hearts and prayers There are no words that could possibly express how my heart is breaking for you! All my Love,Milissa Schang
Milissa Schang
May 28, 2014
Your family is in my thought and prayers at this sad time. I pray you find comfort in your memories of your precious son and that God will bless you all with His love and care.
Ann Powell-Goins
May 28, 2014
Will was an amazing person: kind, generous, sensitive, intelligent, talented, and dedicated. More than a brilliant physician, he was an all-around good person. Will was also a true natural leader--his peers looked up to him and aspired to be like him, although he made it seem effortless. The world is a darker place without him in it. We are so sorry for your loss and are holding his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Wade Fletcher
May 28, 2014
Will was one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people I've ever known. There are no words to express how much he will be missed.
William McRae
May 28, 2014
Our Thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Betty and Danny McComas
May 28, 2014
Tom and Lita, Margaret and I were devastated to learn of your Will's passing; and our hearts and prayers go out to you and your entire family!
Jack and Margaret Hamrick
May 28, 2014
Anything you need......anytime....just call. 850-733-9263.
May 28, 2014
So sorry for your loss, Sage. You and your family are in my prayers!
Linda Macks
May 28, 2014
My heart goes out goes out you . Betsy Hendrick Whitman
May 28, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.
Norma Erosa
May 28, 2014
Dr Brown my prayers go out to you and your family at this trying time.
Sandra Cook, BMT
May 28, 2014
I will never forget what a truly amazing person Will was. He always had such a kind heart and will be missed by all that new him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.
Allison Ballenger
May 28, 2014
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Will was truly a one of a kind person! He will be missed by many. All of our love!
Ben & Michelle Cahan
May 28, 2014
We send our most heartfelt sympathy and love to your entire family. So sad for you. Robert and Eloise de Varona
Eloise de Varona
May 28, 2014
Dr. & Mrs. Brown & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a special person. He was always smiling and so nice whenever he saw me.
I know he will be missed by all those that knew him.
RIP Will!!
Love, Joy Humphreys-Jackson
Joy Jackson
May 28, 2014
Alex,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Liz Hernandez (Hem/Onc Clinic)
May 28, 2014
Alex,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Liz Hernandez
May 28, 2014
Thoughts and prayers from our family
Paul Price-Williams
May 28, 2014
I only knew you for 5 Year of your residence at Memorial. I enjoyed working with you, you were always pleasant ,always smiling and never in a bad mood. You brought comfort to our patients by your pleasant and confident attitude. You will be missed by us all. We loved your dearly Will Brown and we will never forget you.
Beulah Gibson
May 28, 2014
"Our prayers are with you and your family Dr Brown" Sincerely BMT Clinic Nursing Staff
May 28, 2014
an eternal soul.
peter kelly
May 28, 2014
I am so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Will. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers and I ask God to comfort you at this difficult time. Cindy Burke
May 28, 2014
Dear Lita, Tom, Tad, Alex and David,
You all are such a kind and loving family. The love you share between you has been an inspiration to all that have known you. You exemplify the meaning of home and family.
Will's memory will last forever in your hearts. His time in this life was deeply enriched through your ongoing love and support. He will be with you always.
Love,
Sara Cohan
Sara Cohan
May 28, 2014
Heartbroken doesn't begin to describe the loss. Lifting the entire family up to the Lord.
Amy Rayner Beatty
May 28, 2014
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