Longtime NBA referee Tony Brown dies at 55 after battle with cancer By Aya Elamroussi, CNN Updated 1:50 AM EDT, Sat October 22, 2022 Link Copied! If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was 55. His death comes after this years NBA season began Tuesday. Albert Batts played football for the Cougars but became fast friends with Brown. He was preceded in death by his son, Tony Creole; his sister, Henrietta Brown; and two brothers-in-law: Reverend John Thomas Wiggins and Kelly James Williams. He entered hospice care in Atlanta in recent days, his family said. We are sad to announce that on February 26, 2022 we had to say goodbye to Tony Brown (Portsmouth, Virginia). Condolence Message: Be sure to include your name. RIP Tony I know you are dearly missed, Jean, Tyler & Nikki, Our biggest thank you to our village of family and friends, near and far, old and new. Walter Anthony Brown, 63, of Willow Street, affectionately known by his family and friends as Tony and Poppy, passed away unexpectedly while at work on November 22, 2022. Lamb said the school plans to retire Brown's jersey No. He worked championship-round games in college, the CBA and WNBA and was a WNBA All-Star official before starting on a 20-year run with the NBA in 2002. Hall of Famer Earvin Magic Johnson also shared his condolences to the Browns family. Tony was a 3-6 grade teacher at St. Cyprians for twenty years and loved getting hugs from her former students when she was out shopping in Lufkin. https://t.co/JI23eZczTi, LeBron James (@KingJames) October 21, 2022. Brown focused on fitness and never missed an assigned game as a referee. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. The 13-time All-Star, who was dealt to Phoenix on Feb. 9, has not played in a game since Jan. 8 when he was with the Nets. Brown is survived by his wife and three children. Longtime NBA official dies at 55 after battling pancreatic cancer. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Get the latest local, college and national sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. Earlier this month, some Clark Atlanta players visited Brown in hospice and presented him with a jersey as a thank-you for his efforts. Browns fellow referees supported their friend and colleague throughout his battle with pancreatic cancer. She and Bob were married for 57 years, and Tony loved being involved with the Friday Night Dinner Club, the Historical and Literary Club, Medford Sunday School class and First Christian Church choir. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. Search Cleveland obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Great ref but greater dude! Los Angeles Lakers Lebron James said in a social media post. It was a great feeling to see one of my ball players officiate in the NBA.". Your smile & laugh will be missed tremendously here in our sport! He loved traveling to the Caribbean with his wife and family and was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. Tony is survived by her husband, Bob Brown of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Tana and Greg Weiss of Katy; two grandsons, Grayson of Dallas and Griffin of Littleton, Colorado, sister-in-law, Carlene Brollier of Tuscola, Texas; niece, Carla Cooley (and her family) of Tuscola, Texas; nephew, Cody Martin (and his family) of Tuscola, Texas; and numerous extended family. Maureen Hollander January 26, 2023 (75 years old) View obituary. Your smile & laugh will be missed tremendously here in our sport!. A non-scholarship player, Brown worked his way through school as an employee with Delta Air Lines. Tony loved to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Tony Alonzo Brown N. CHARLESTON - The relatives and friends of Mr. Tony Alonzo Brown are invited to attend his Celebration of Life Service 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Joshua Baptist Church, 2482 Faber Road, North Charleston, SC. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. We are sad to announce that on February 26, 2022 we had to say goodbye to Tony Brown (Portsmouth, Virginia). He worked his way up the basketball officiating ladder, eventually becoming one of the NBAs very best referees. Referee Tony Brown runs on the sideline during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and the Toronto Raptors on March 17, 2021, in Detroit. Born in Elkton, Maryland, he was the son of the late John and Betty (Madron) Brown. He also worked championship-round games in the CBA and WNBA, plus was a WNBA All-Star official before moving to the NBA in 2003. Anniston, AL. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Hwang and his family moved to the U.S. just before the pandemic. Sheila Raymond, To The Brown Family- This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Their daughter Tana was born in Dallas in 1967, and daughter Denna was born three years later in 1970, in Waco. You have funeral questions, we have answers. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. The entire NBA family mourns Tonys passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Tina; their children, Bailey, Basile and Baylen; and his fellow referees., Longtime NBA official Tony Brown passed away today surrounded by his family, friends and fellow officials after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. However, he was able to return to work at the league's replay center during the 2021-22 season. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted. And thats the greatest accolade and accomplishment that we can ever have, doing our job.. There are so many fond memories from years ago. He was 55. February 26, 2022 Browns family is asking people to contribute to the Tony Brown Basketball Scholarship Endowment at his alma mater to honor his memory. Holland also laughed when he reminisced about his teammate's penchant for shooting. Brown, an NBA official for 20 years, died on Thursday due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Tony taught in Avalon, Waco, Brownwood and St. Cyprians Episcopal School in Lufkin, as Bob was transferred all over the state for the Texas Power & Light Company. Earlier this month, some Clark Atlanta players visited Brown in hospice and presented him with a jersey as a thank-you for his efforts. On Dec. 30, 2020, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich was livid that no foul was called on a drive by DeMar DeRozan, who was then playing for the Spurs in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Dan . Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Kia Rookie of the Year chase begins to head for the finish line. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Tony Brown was one of the most accomplished referees in the NBA and an inspiration to his colleagues, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. We all enjoyed each others company. Love krystin, Hi Jean, its Sherry Hummer. Terms of Service apply. Holland, who lives in Virginia, often traveled to watch Brown officiate. He cleaned planes, drove passenger carts, then became a flight attendant and remained employed by Delta until retiring in 2007. He was 55. He was 55. More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports, Referee Tony Brown runs on the sideline during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and the Toronto Raptors, March 17, 2021, in Detroit. Tony Brown's passing on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 has been publicly announced by Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home - Huntington in Huntington, WV. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. Would you like to offer Tony Ray Browns loved ones a condolence message? The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Brown was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, according to Silver, who added that the referee went through many rounds of treatment. Wed 26 Jan 2022 06.17 EST. He was in the leagues restart bubble at Walt Disney World for several weeks and said when he got the word that he was one of the 12 referees picked for the title series his mind immediately went to how his family would react to the news. His family and friends worked feverishly to fund a scholarship for Clark Atlanta players in the days before his death. Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. After more than a dozen rounds of intense chemotherapy, Brown was feeling well enough to return to work with the blessing of his medical team, the NBA and his family. He was the best husband, father, Poppy and brother anyone could ask for. You would have never thought anything was wrong with him. I havent had time to sit around and be like Why me? or What am I going to do? Brown told The Associated Press earlier this year. Sign up to receive emails about our exciting, Former Lufkin police officer in Houston hospital after Saturday motorcycle crash, Health district board discusses vague agenda items, possible Open Meetings Act violations, Board names Langston interim executive director of Museum of East Texas, POLICE REPORTS: Local authorities report 18 arrests, Lufkin biker taken to out-of-town hospital with serious injury after two-vehicle crash Sunday on Old Union Road, Down Under dinner adventure goes further south for Huntington duo, As Texas booms, local governments especially in small towns struggle to find workers, POLICE REPORTS: Police charge woman with public intoxication after she initiates physical altercation, BUSINESS ROUNDUP: MarTeres goes mobile with GrubHub launch. LufkinDailyNews.com Tony Brown officiated more than 1,100 NBA games and developed a stellar reputation among both players and fellow officials. February 10, 2023 (78 years old) View obituary. He was NEW YORK Lucie Brock-Broido, a prize-winning poet and educator, has died at age 61. . (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File). Tony man!! Loved when I ran on the court for warmups and he would be on the game that night! The most recent obituary and service information is available at the Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home - Huntington website. Receive the most recent obituaries every afternoon. His hard work, determination, and perseverance are what set him apart from the rest because those qualities are hard to come by these days.. Tony was the loving husband of Jean M. (Leury) Brown, with whom he would have celebrated 39 years of marriage on April 28th. Start your morning with the top headlines each day. Hazel Cameron Apr 9, 1929 - Nov 1, 2022 Garland, Texas | Age 93 My Saved Places Add a City to Your List . The entire NBA family mourns Tonys passing.. Every night that we go on that floor we are representing each other. You ready for a pickup game? She was a junior high and high school majorette and played the flute for the Brady Band, as well as performed as a vocalist for the Brady High School stage band. A talented high school basketball player, Brown accepted a scholarship to Florida A&M before eventually deciding to transfer to what was then called Clark College now Clark Atlanta University. I was just informed of the loss of your husband and father I honestly am speechless My heart goes out to you and I will be praying that God will comfort you at this time and give you peace. By then, his NBA career was in full bloom. In reality, his former teammates lovingly joked Brown never passed the basketball either. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. He was preceded in death by many beloved family members. Brown was selected to officiate a pair of NBA All-Star games, plus worked a game in the 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Wednesday night's slate. Melvin Holland and Brown were both born in Marianna. I only see you in art class but if you need a break at any time please let me know, Ill cover for you. His NBA Finals referee debut came during the 2019-20 season, and he also helped officiate the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta that honored Historically Black College and Universities. The reports are stating that he passed away after losing his battle against deadly pancreatic cancer. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. She loved to entertain, volunteer in her community, and attend whatever events her grandsons were involved in. His fellow referees for that 2021 game were fellow Atlanta residents Tom Washington and Courtney Kirkland who, like Brown, were graduates of historically Black colleges and universities, and that game was one in which the NBA committed to showcasing HBCUs and raising more than $3 million for scholarship funds. With that, Hammon became the first woman to direct a team in NBA history. We believe that Every Life has a Story which should be told and preserved. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Tony Brown October 12, 1966 - February 26, 2022 (55 years old) Portsmouth, Virginia Tony Brown Obituary Here is Tony Brown's obituary. Tony, Tana and Denna took several Mother/Daughter vacations (mostly to the beach). Keep striving for the cures," his family said. He was predeceased by : his parents, William Arthur Brown and Karalyn Marie Brown; and his father-in-law James Madison Talley. A public viewing will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the church. Funeral arrangement under the care ofFisher Funeral Home. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. What kind of example was I going to be to my kids if I just laid in this bed and let it overtake me? He was employed by Suburban Propane for the last 37 years. Sign up today! Spence and I were sorry to hear of the passing of Tony. Read more. He leaves to cherish precious memories that will never be forgotten: his brother, Jerome Brown (Rosalyn) of Hanahan, SC; three sisters: Joe Ann Lovett of Hampton, VA, Birdie Wiggins of Charleston, SC and Sandra Williams of Charleston, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Steve Ray Salvaggio. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. In 1989, Brown graduated from Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU, where he studied finance. CATHERINE BROWN OBITUARY Catherine (Cathy) Ann Brown passed away on December 22, 2022, surrounded by family and the compassionate nurses at Mercy Hospice House in Durango, Colorado. Brownofficiated the 2018 and 2021 NBA All-Star Games in addition to a game of the 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. His dedication to his family and friends was infinite and to know him was to love him. Even in the final days of his life, Browns focus was not on himself. And shoot it. After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis early last year, Tony fought courageously through countless rounds of treatment to return to work this past season at the NBA Replay Center, demonstrating the dedication, determination and passion that made him such a highly respected official for 20 years. Ways to honor Tony Brown's life and legacy. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. She was born in Brady, Texas February 12, 1943. 01/31/1940 - 02/09/2023. Beginning his career as a sportswriter, Benner then served with the Pacers for 28 years, retiring last season. Timberwolves dominate: Swimming with the Wolves: Chiles sweeps district boys, girls swimming crowns once again, Honors: Rickards' Rico Watkins is your Big Bend Preps Athlete of the Week, Swimming: Godby student swimmers jump head-first into the sport in spite of systemic roadblocks. Sign the guestbook & Share your condolences using the links on our website: www.AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mr. Anthony "Tony" Brown, please visit our flower store . Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Last modified on Sun 6 Feb 2022 13.57 EST. He always found a way to get the ball. Darlene Hathlock. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. May the God of all comfort be with the family during this very difficult time. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. His wife, Tina Brown also shared a statement after . FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. He last visited Brown in Atlanta earlier this month, describing him as a true fighter. The pair and others had planned to attend Florida A&M footballs homecoming game next Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. ATLANTA Former U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, a lifelong Democrat and the father of Georgia's lottery-funded HOPE scholarship while serving as governor, died Friday. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. He worked the 2018 All-Star Game in Los Angeles, then was picked to work the 2021 game that was moved to Atlanta. Brown was selected to officiate a pair of NBA All-Star games, plus worked a game in the 2020 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Hwang looked at that as an opportunity. Your love is immeasurable.". Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. She attended San Angelo Junior College and then transferred to Texas Tech where she graduated with an Elementary Education degree before marrying her high school sweetheart, Bob Brown, in 1965. I told him to let the offense run and rotate, buthed somehow always found a way to get the ball. Service, on August 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, 924 20th Street, Huntington, WV. No scholarship was available there for him, so Brown worked his way through school as an employee of Delta Air Lines. Loved when I ran on the court for warmups and he would be on the game that night! Tony was a member of First Christian Church and was a former director of the Pre-School Mothers Day Out program. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. You have permission to edit this article. He graduated from Clark Atlanta in 1989 with a degree in finance. 2641 Bennett Yard Road, North Charleston, SC. Interment will be in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park prior to the services. The entire NBA family mourns Tonys passing.. 28 years, died on Thursday due to complications from pancreatic cancer NEW YORK Lucie Brock-Broido, prize-winning. Prize-Winning poet and educator, has died at age 61. some people, best... In her community, and attend whatever events her grandsons were involved in it overtake me to. That they would have loved to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren was born Elkton! 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