William Lawrence Brown, Sr.

William Lawrence Brown, Sr.

William Lawrence (Larry) Brown of Hammond, Louisiana, died peacefully on October 12, 2022, at the age of 90.

A native of Bessemer, Alabama, Larry moved to Hammond in 1959, with his wife Flora, to work as an ornamental horticulturist at LSU’s Agricultural Research Station where he specialized in breeding azaleas for over 30 years. A founding member of the Louisiana chapter of the Azalea Society of America, Larry loved creating beauty, often contributing floral arrangements to the First Presbyterian Church, where he was a former deacon and elder. He was a long-time member of the Hammond Kiwanis Club and a board member of the local Habitat for Humanity.

Larry received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and doctorate from Mississippi State University and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in Germany. He often attributed his love of traveling to his time in the Army and being able to take short trips to other cities of Europe. It was a hobby his wife was happy to share with him.

Larry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Flora Ann Cason Brown; children Susan Voisin (David), Mary Ann Noble (Gary), and William (Bill) Brown, Jr., (Kate); and grandchildren Tyler Noble (Andrea), Will Noble, Elena Voisin, Caroline Noble, and Scheherazade Brown. He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Elaine Brown, and his brother, Milton Perry Brown, Jr. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Hammond or Habitat for Humanity. The family wishes to thank the staff of Summerfield Senior Living and Modern Hospice for all their assistance.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, 411 W Charles St, Hammond, LA 70401 on October 29 at 2:00 p.m.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.