Mr. Nathaniel Brown, affectionately known as “Nat” or “Brown” to his family and fondly remembered as “Polly Brown” by his schoolmates, departed this life on April 27, 2025, at West Marion Hospital in Ocala, Florida. He was 77 years old. Nathaniel was born on September 13, 1947, in Ocala, Florida, to the late Eli Brown and Dorothy Counts. He graduated from Belleview Santos High School in 1967, where he was well known for his athletic talents and warm, spirited personality. Nathaniel built a strong work ethic throughout his life, spending 28 dedicated years as an employee at Royal Oaks.
After his retirement from Royal Oaks, he continued to work at Peterson Smith Equine Hospital, where he found genuine joy in working with horses. Nathaniel shared a union with his devoted wife, Sandra Brown (Ocala). Together, they raised three children: Tisha Lloyd (Jafaska Sr.) of Palm Coast, Bernisha Brown of Palm Coast, and Nathaniel “Rashad” Brown of Ocala.
He also leaves behind his children: Tia Woods and Eric Evans (both of Ocala) and Tianna Bostick (Gainesville). Nathaniel was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Eli Brown and Dorothy Counts; beloved son, Lamar Nathan Evans, known to many as “Nate”; and siblings, sister, Joyce Bernard Bynes, and brothers, Theodore Brown, Sr., Joseph Brown, and Eli Brown, Jr. Nathaniel’s memory will continue to live on through his surviving siblings, brother, Elvis Brown (Diane), sister, Francina Brown, and sister-in-law, Patsy Brown, along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.
Known for his sharp wit, infectious laughter, and humorous outlook on life, Nathaniel touched the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of love, resilience, and joy will remain forever in the hearts of those he leaves behind.