Thomas Irwin Brown Jr.

Thomas Irwin Brown Jr. was born in Pulaski County, Georgia, on November 20, 1914, and attended Clemson College, where he played football. He coached high school and college sports teams before moving to Tallahassee to coach the Leon High School Football team in 1944. He spent two years as athletic director and sports coach before operating a laundry business, service station, and other endeavors. Brown as appointed to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners on December 10, 1958, by Florida Governor LeRoy Collins following the death of Commissioner William Kelley. He would go on to serve on the County Commission for 14 years. During his time in office, Brown supported the consolidation of City and County governments, the growth and expansion of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, construction of the Capital Circle truck route, the County Courthouse addition, and the growth of the County library. He served as Board Chairman from 1963-1964, 1967-1968, and 1972. He was active in the community, serving as president of the Tallahassee Kiwanis Club and director of the Tallahassee Booster and Quarterback clubs. He also coached the Babe Ruth League baseball team for 20 years. The City of Tallahassee’s Tom Brown Park was dedicated in his honor on January 30, 1977. Brown died on August 14, 1973, and is buried at Roselawn Cemetery.