William "Bill" Brown

William “Bill” Brown, of Longboat Key, FL, passed away on March 9, 2025. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 10, 1955, to parents, Peter William Brown and Stephanie Wood Brown. Bill grew up in Jacksonville, FL, where he lived until he graduated from Wolfson High School in 1973.

Bill graduated from the University of Florida in 1977, going on to earn his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 1979 and then his PhD from the University of Nebraska in 1983. Upon graduation from the University of Nebraska, Bill returned home to Florida and began his long and respected career in academia. He started his career as a professor and later became an Assistant Dean at the University of Florida in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Eventually, he relocated to Knoxville, TN to take a position with the University of Tennessee as Dean of the Institute of Agriculture (UTIA). Bill ended his esteemed career at Texas Tech University, where he served as Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Highly regarded in his field, Bill was a member of numerous academic and scientific organizations and held various leadership roles over the course of his career.

Bill was an avid tennis player and cyclist. He enjoyed nature, boating, hiking, and DIY projects. But mostly, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his beloved children, Austin Curtis Peter Brown, aged 30, and Morgan Amelia Brown, aged 26. Bill is predeceased by his father, Peter William Brown; his mother, Stephanie Wood Brown; and his mother in-law, Judith Cole. Bill is survived by his spouse of 31 years, Lindsey Victoria Brown; his son, Austin Curtis Peter Brown and Austin’s wife, Petrana Radulovic; his daughter, Morgan Amelia Brown and Morgan’s partner, Matthew Morin; his sister, Susan Brown Costiloe, his brother in-law, Roger Costiloe, and their son, Rocco Costiloe; his brother and sister in-law David and Helene Cole and their children, Sara, Jesse, and Jordan Cole; and numerous cousins, all of whom loved him dearly.

Bill will always be remembered for his outgoing and friendly personality, his dedication to his family, and his many personal and professional accomplishments.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org) in his name.