State Senator Terry Brown Dies After Lengthy Illness

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)–State Senator Terry Brown has lost his battle with cancer.

State Representative Gary Chism and Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant confirm the loss of the long-time Mississippi lawmaker.

The Lowndes County Republican had been receiving very aggressive treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed with lung cancer last year.

Lt. Governor Tate Reeves released a statement today saying Brown’s family is requesting privacy.

The 64 year-old Brown served as President Pro Tem in the state Senate.

He was first elected to office in 1988.

Brown is credited with helping Lowndes County’s economic development boom, by pushing through state tax breaks and other measures.

The Columbus native leaves behind his wife Andra and three children, Cody, Chas and Boomer. 

Lowndes Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Official Release:

JACKSON – Longtime Mississippi legislator Sen. Terry Brown of Columbus passed away today after a battle with cancer, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves announced. He was 64.

Brown, who served as Senate President Pro Tempore, represented parts of Lowndes County since 2004. He served in the House of Representatives from 1988 to 2000.

“Terry was larger than life,” Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said. “With his quick wit and gift for storytelling, Terry could leave a room in stitches. I was proud to call him a friend. Elee and I are praying for Andra and his sons.”

The Senate confirmed Brown as President Pro Tempore in 2012, which Lt. Gov. Reeves called a testament to his colleagues’ respect.

“He was a Senator’s Senator,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “His experience in the Legislature combined with the respect he earned in both the House and Senate meant he knew how to move bills through the process and get things done.”
Lt. Gov. Reeves said Brown was an integral part of the Golden Triangle’s economic development success as a legislator for the Columbus area for more than 20 years. During his service, the region landed major employers, including PACCAR Inc., Airbus Helicopters Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter), and Severstal NA.

He was a strong advocate for Columbus Air Force Base and pushed community members to support the facility to prevent its closure.

“He was a true champion for the Golden Triangle,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “When there was a new company bringing hundreds of jobs to the region, no one fought harder to make the deals happen.”

After graduating from New Hope High School, Brown attended East Mississippi Junior College and played football under legendary Hall of Fame coach Bob “Bull” Sullivan. Brown, a defensive tackle and center, helped lead the Lions to a two-year record of 16-3, including a state runner-up finish in 1969. He was elected to the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Brown enjoyed recalling his days on the gridiron under Coach Sullivan. One of his proudest moments was recognizing EMCC’s national championship football team in both 2012 and in 2014.

After serving six years in the U.S. Army, he attended Delta State University and Mississippi State University.

He owned and operated convenience stores and automobile dealerships while serving in the House. He worked as a business consultant in recent years.
His wife, Andra, and his sons, Andrew Cody, Charles “Chas” Randolph and Terry Wayne “Boomer” Jr., survive him.

***Statement from Governor Phil Bryant***

“Deborah and I are so sorry to lose our friend Terry Brown. Sen. Brown and I worked together in the Mississippi Legislature since 1992. Terry was a true conservative and a man’s man. He was someone who I always loved and whose company I enjoyed. I pray God will assuage the pain of his wonderful wife and children. Tonight he walks the streets of glory.”