Horace “Button” Collins Brown, retired Army Special Forces, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 84. After several months of declining health, he died peacefully with Martha, his beloved wife of 57 years, by his side.
He is proceeded in death by his parents William A. Brown III and Lorena Berry Brown, brothers William A. Brown IV, and Elvie A. Brown. He is survived by his wife Martha, children Terri (Jack) Kimbel, Rebecca Davis, and Horace (Lara) Brown II. Horace is also survived by his grandchildren Keirce Kimbel, Peyton Kimbel, Olivia Davis, Payne Brown, Camille Brown, Audrey Davis, Aidan Brown, his nephew Barry (Royann) Brown, and several other cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, along with children Sherri Chism and Scott Brown. Surviving siblings are Victor (Norma) Brown, James Brown, and Mary (Mike) Thomason-Grell.
Horace was born in Cullman County, Alabama in 1940. One of six children, he was raised on a farm in Vinemont where he learned a strong work ethic that was one of the driving forces behind everything he accomplished in his life. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961 and became a member of the 7th Special Forces Group where he went on to serve two tours in Vietnam. After his father passed away in 1966, he separated from the Army to be closer to and help support his mother and two youngest siblings. He re-enlisted in 1972 and spent the remainder of his military career proudly serving as part of the 5th and 7th Special Forces Groups. As a Special Forces soldier, he had many special skills. He was an expert in demolitions, marksmanship, and survival tactics. He also spoke fluent Vietnamese, Spanish, and Arabic. He was a highly decorated war hero, receiving numerous commendations and medals during his career including The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star for heroic acts in combat, and his Master Parachute Badge.
After his time in the Army, he utilized his wide array of military skills working as a defense contractor supervising security and protection for oversees government construction projects including U.S. embassies. Throughout his military career, and time working for the government, he lived and worked in more than ten countries and traveled to many, many more. He retired at the age of 70.
If you were to ask most people who knew him what his greatest joy in retirement was, they would probably say being on the golf course. However, his family would tell you it was spending time with his grandchildren who he adored. Although he dedicated most of his life to serving and defending his country, he was a humble man who loved sharing stories, writing poetry and perfecting his golf game. His life was extraordinary and filled with adventure and he will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 5th, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home. The service will be held at 2 p.m., followed by full military honors at Mt. Zion Cemetery, 17488, U.S. Hwy. 31, Cullman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The local chapter of the Special Forces Association:
SFA Chapter 92
C/O Kenneth Garcy
106 Timbercove Circle SW
Madison, AL 35756
Or
Special Forces Charitable Trust
www.specialforcescharitabletrust.org
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