LARRY BROWN- Obituary
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Larry Brown of Columbia, TN passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He now
gets to soar the skies with the angels. Larry was born on August 3, 1954 in Woodbury, NJ; the son of
Andrew E. Brown, Sr & Loretta May (Sandelier) Skermont. His step-father, Joseph Skermont, Sr had a
large influence on his life.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife Kay Esther (Zobel) Brown, his loving children: Rebecca Kay
Esther Bulkley & 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 & cousins.
He was predeceased by his loving parents & step-mother: Emmi Brown, caring step-father, his treasured
brother: Peter Brown and beloved step-grandchild: Aiden Bulkley.
Larry graduated from Rutgers University (ROTC) in January 1977. He was a member of the Rutgers
Queens Guard, national champion drill team & performed at the 1973 Edinburgh Military Tattoo attended
by the Queen of England. He served as an USAF intelligence officer for 4 years. Then he graduated pilot
training in 1982 & flew the KC-135 (Air refueling tanker )1982-1999. During this time, he upgraded to
instructor/evaluator pilot & served as a Command Post Operations specialist, KC-135 simulator
instructor, PACAF Exercise planner & AF Liaison to the Bangor Air National Guard. He flew in 3
combat tours: 1st Persian Gulf War, Bosnia & 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 & a squadron commander for Caribou
Composite Squadron & Bangor Composite Squadron in Maine. He greatly enjoyed giving orientation
flights to the cadets.
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 & Elvis Presley and the TV shows: Big Bang Theory & Ghosts. He was a gifted storyteller. His
family & friends will miss his tales of life. Family & friends are invited to the visitation/Celebration of Life at Heritage Funeral Home 609 Bear Creek Pike Columbia, TN 38401, on Saturday February, 28, 2026 from 12-2 PM. 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