Celebrate African Americans In Golf
Released May 2, 2015
Pete Brown – First African American to win a PGA Tour sanctioned event
February 2, 1935 – May 1, 2015
On behalf of the Pete Brown family:
The Brown family extends a heartfelt thank you for all the prayers, telephone calls, love, and support that they are receiving from the golf community and beyond. Pete was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
“He taught me everything about how to be a man and a good human being. He was more than a grandfather, he was a father to me”, said Gregory Brown, one of eleven grandchildren (eight grandsons and three granddaughters).
Pete Brown had a special way of inspiring people. Even when he could no longer play golf and his health challenges grew more intense, Pete still continued to have that loving spirit and sense of humor.
Brown had an exceptional way of interacting with people. Alma Reece-Hamblin met Brown for the first time in December 2014 and she clearly recalls how that brief visit made such an impact on her life. She said, “I remember hearing a happy and pleasant voice that was very inviting. Even though his eyes were closed, he smiled when he talked to me. It was a voice from someone who felt good within himself. As I walked out of the room I thought, for someone who has been dealing with many medical challenges for such a long time, Mr. Brown seemed very content. He did not want sympathy, he was not complaining of his physical circumstances. I saw a lot of life in him; that was amazing.”
Pete Brown wanted his legacy in golf to carry on, and he also wanted to establish his legacy in the medical community to help the future of medicine. Therefore, it was his wishes to have his body donated to medical research and education.
RELATED STORY: Pete Brown, First Black to Win on PGA Tour, Dies at 80-Years Old
He told his wife Margaret, “All my life I have enjoyed helping people. That is a part of who I am—always wanting to reach out to others. I want to donate my body to medical research; even when I am no longer here on earth, I want to continue to help others. My wish is to make you (Margaret) and the children proud of me as I am so very proud of you.
Margaret, Pete’s wife of 58 years, was by his side (in Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta, Georgia) when he passed from this life.
A memorial service will be held in Dayton, Ohio. Details are pending.
Submitted by Ramona Harriet
info@AfricanAmericanGofHistory.com
Ramona Harriet
PO Box 1809
Belleview, Florida 34421
