Larry Brown

Larry Brown

1954 – 2026

Larry Brown, of Columbia, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. He now gets to soar the skies with the angels.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation/Celebration of Life at Heritage Funeral Home, 609 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 from 12-2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. You may share condolences with the family at the Heritage Funeral Home website: www.TnFunerals.com.

Larry was born on Aug. 3, 1954 in Woodbury, NJ; the son of Andrew E. Brown, Sr. and Loretta May (Sandelier) Skermont. His step-father, Joseph Skermont, Sr., had a large influence on his life.

Larry graduated from Rutgers University (ROTC) in January 1977. He was a member of the Rutgers Queens Guard, national champion drill team, and performed at the 1973 Edinburgh Military Tattoo attended by the Queen of England. He served as an USAF intelligence officer for four years. Then, he graduated pilot training in 1982 and flew the KC-135 (Air refueling tanker) 1982-1999. During this time, he upgraded to instructor/evaluator pilot and served as a Command Post Operations specialist, KC-135 simulator instructor, PACAF Exercise planner and AF Liaison to the Bangor Air National Guard. He flew in three combat tours: 1st Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, and Kosovo. In 1988, he earned his Master of Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After retiring from the USAF, he was a pilot for American Airlines. Larry was also a Civil Air Patrol pilot and a squadron commander for Caribou Composite Squadron and Bangor Composite Squadron in Maine. He greatly enjoyed giving orientation flights to the cadets.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife Kay Esther (Zobel) Brown, his loving children: Rebecca Kay Esther Bulkley and spouse Chad of Lewisburg, TN, and Joseph Victor Brown of Columbia, TN; his cherished grandchildren: Connor Bulkley, Alanna Bulkley and Hunter Bulkley; his treasured brothers: Andrew E. Brown, Jr of Malaga, NJ; Edward Brown & partner Rene Mastoddi of Norwood, PA & Mike Shipman & partner Laurie Raines of Corinth, MS; dear sister: Dorita Brown of Williamstown, NJ; and several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his loving parents and step-mother: Emmi Brown, caring step-father, his treasured brother: Peter Brown, and beloved step-grandchild: Aiden Bulkley.

He deeply loved spending time/playing games with his grandchildren. He was an avid pilot in online aviation games alongside his Check Six Squad of friends. Larry was a fan of Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Elvis Presley, and the TV shows: Big Bang Theory and Ghosts. He was a gifted storyteller. His family and friends will miss his tales of life.