The William and Mary Athletics family lost a special friend this week with the passing of Russell (Russ) Brown, Jr., in his home state of South Carolina.
Brown was recruited to Williamsburg in 1970 to play football for Lou Holtz and the Tribe. His career on the gridiron led him to be elected to William and Mary's Athletics Hall of Fame, as he was an all-conference punter in his senior season. Additionally, Brown held the school-record for the longest FG, which stood until Tribe Alum, and eventual NFL placekicker, Steve Christie broke it nearly a decade later. A standout golfer, Brown also was a letter winner on the Tribe's golf squad in his time on campus.
After his graduation in 1974, Brown spent time on the roster of both the NY Giants and Washington Redskins, before beginning a successful career in Real Estate in 1976.
His innovative strategies with regards to creative marketing of real estate, especially in resort timeshares, resulted in the development of a Russell E. Brown and Associates (REBA), for which he was both the Chairman of the Board and CEO.
Brown's success in business provided the resources that enabled him and his wife, Dottie '74, to serve the William and Mary community in a wide variety of ways, from establishing three athletic endowments to the service on various boards, including the Tribe Club, the Alumni Association and the William and Mary Foundation Board of Trustees.
“Russ was a loyal alumnus of William and Mary as well as a passionate supporter of our football program,” stated Tribe Head Football Coach Jimmye Laycock. “More importantly, he was one of the most positive thinking individuals I have ever known; a quality that inspired countless numbers of people whom he came in contact with, both professional and personally. He will truly be missed by the entire Tribe family.”
Both of his daughters, Elisabeth and Lindsay, continued the family legacy and received degrees from the College, which always served as a point of great pride.
Beyond his legacy of service and commitment to the College, those who knew him best will always remember him best for his positive attitude and engaging personality.
“You could not have a better friend than Russ Brown,” reflected former teammate, and fellow W&M Athletic Hall of Famer, Joe Montgomery '74. “He made a significant difference in the lives he touched and he touched many. Russ was a great example for us all.”
A celebration of Brown's life will be held on Friday, August 22nd at 5pm in Hilton Head Island. It will be in the Indigo Hall, 101 Berwick Dr., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.
