Edward Brown Jr.

Edward Brown, Jr. served as Riverview High School's first assistant principal when it was completed in 1958. He held that position under Principal Johannsen for three years before he was named RHS principal in 1961. When he retired in 1990, he had been the principal for 29 years. Mr. Brown can be credited with so many achievements that our school experienced in its beginning years. It was under his leadership that the Ram Bowl was built without any cost to Sarasota County and today remains the best facility in our county. He organized the Riverview Foundation that developed a program that benefited the Riverview community. He filled the classrooms with outstanding educators that achieved greatness in so many areas. His philosophy was to hire the most qualified staff and then leave them alone and let them do their job. Those who had the opportunity to work for him speak of his honesty, integrity, professionalism and dedication to Riverview High School.

Edward Served in the United States Army as First Lieutenant, Artillery Division being discharged in April 1956. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening and his orange grove. Most of all he loved being with his family and friend.

Edward is survived by his daughter Deborah Ann Hayes (Wallace F. Hayes Jr.); and his son David Edward Brown (Suzanne C Brown); his grandson Matthew David Brown (Whitney Marie Wilson) and his great granddaughter Paisley Marie Brown, and two great God daughters Elizabeth C. Hughes and Makaila Ann Quiroga.

Edward was preceded in death by his wife Betty Ann (Bridges) Brown; his father Edward Brown Sr. and his mother Lucy Mae McTyre; his sister Jewell Denham; his sister Louise Denham and his brother Bobby Brown.

A visitation for Edward will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. A visitation will occur Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at Bee Ridge Baptist Church, 4210 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233. Followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Committal service will occur Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Sarasota Memorial Park, 5833 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231. Edward will be laid to rest in Sarasota Memorial Park, 5833 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverview High School (RHS) Foundation and memo: Ed Brown Fund, please mail to 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231.