Patrick A Brown

1949 - 2026

Patrick A. Brown, 76, passed away on March 18, 2026. Born in Sanford, Florida, on July 12, 1949, he left this world in a manner that gently contrasted with the spirited way he embraced life's adventures-peacefully at home, surrounded by the family and friends he cherished.

Funeral services for Pat will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Capital Heights Baptist Church in Tallahassee. Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. prior to service. Burial will take place at Tallahassee National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

Pat was a retired Sergeant Major who faithfully served his country for 25 years in the United States Army. He enlisted at the age of 19 and was a proud two-tour Vietnam veteran and a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, embodying the courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment that defined his life. Throughout his distinguished career, Pat was recognized for his extraordinary valor and leadership. His many awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Jumpmaster (Master Parachutist) Badge, and was a recipient of the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

A devoted Christian, Pat was an active member of Capital Heights Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he found great joy in his church community, as well as VFW Post 3308 in Tallahassee and Post 4570 in Clayton, Georgia. Throughout those years, he and his beloved wife, Lana Brown, traveled the world together. Their story began long before his military career; childhood best friends, Pat and Lana grew side by side into a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion, respect, and enduring love.

Together, they built a family grounded in adventure, faith, and unwavering affection-one blessed with a lifetime of memories: family trips, shared laughter, and the kind of joyful experiences created by two parents who believed deeply in love, in God, and in the importance of time spent together.

Following his retirement from the Army, Pat continued his commitment to service by guiding and educating the next generation, founding the JROTC program at Rickards High School in Tallahassee, where he taught for 18 years. There, he touched countless lives, offering encouragement, wisdom, and, on occasion, a bit of adventure to the students who passed through his classroom.

Pat had a deep love for music, even when the lyrics eluded him. When the words slipped away, he would hum along or invent his own with unmistakable enthusiasm. He never turned down a trip or a roller coaster-especially if it meant sharing the moment with his family. He was also the kind of man who appeared without being asked, ready to help, even if helping meant simply sitting quietly beside someone who needed company. To his grandchildren, he was especially known for his unforgettable "Bear Hugs"-the kind that wrapped them up completely and made them feel safe, loved, and seen.
He appreciated a good nap, was famously known as the world's worst grill master despite his love of great food, and possessed a booming voice that could fill any room. Beneath that commanding presence was a fiercely loyal protector-of his country, his church, and, above all, his family. Pat was a true defender of the homeland, a man whose strength was matched only by the generosity of his heart.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Lana Jean Forrest Brown; his children-Stacie Raker (Doug), Patrick Jr. (Eden), and Bobbi; his grandchildren-Cody Sellers, Jordan Sellers, Connor Brown, Trey Raker, Joe Brown, and Abe Dunlap; and his siblings-his sister, Wanda Hittell (Orlando, FL), his twin sister, Patricia Webb (Morristown, TN), his brother, Jimmy Brown (Morristown, TN), and his favorite sister in law, Sarah Brown (Mooresburg, TN)-all of whom were the great joys of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bernice Brown (Morristown, TN); his brother and best friend, Robert Brown (Mooresburg, TN); his sister, Peggy Lempka (Morristown, TN); and his baby sister, Debbie Hudson (Morristown, TN).
Patrick A. Brown leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, service, and love-one that will continue to guide his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.