On October 7, 2024, during the regular City Council Meeting, by Proclamation, the Brooksville City Council along with Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, recognized the life and legacy of Tommy Bronson.
During the City Council Meeting, Wilson Simpson, Commissioner of Agriculture, took time out of his busy schedule to present a flag that was flown on September 5, 2024, over Florida’s State Capital to honor the life and legacy of Thomas Bronson. Mr. Simpson read the inscriptions which stated, “This flag was flown in honor of an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, businessman and community leader. The State of Florida is grateful for the legacy this extraordinary man demonstrated through his life of integrity and selfless service.”
Thomas Edward “Tommy” Bronson, grandfather of current Brooksville City Council Member, Thomas Bronson, was born on August 13, 1936, in Gainesville, Florida. After years as a high school standout athlete in many sports, Mr. Bronson earned a full sports scholarship to the University of Tennessee. Concentrating on football, he earned several personal titles and was a vital part of several team championships. Mr. Bronson was also an outstanding academic student earning a Business Administration and Finance degree from UT. Upon college graduation, he entered active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served with the Second Infantry Division from 1958 to 1960.
In 1957, Mr. Bronson married Sarah Alice McKethan, from Brooksville, Florida, where they decided to raise their family. Mr. Bronson began his Brooksville career as president of many corporations, including Brooksville Rock Company, Florida Mining & Materials, Moore McCormack Cement, and Florida Mining as well as founding several successful private business ventures.
In this community, Mr. Bronson was involved in many leadership roles including the Brooksville Kiwanis Club, the Leopard Quarterback Club, the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce and the Brooksville Jaycees. He was inducted into the Hernando High School Sports Hall of Fame for his pivotal sports contributions in the community.
However, the true driving forces in Mr. Bronson’s life were his faith and family. Family was Tommy’s greatest delight. Tommy and Sarah Alice had four children: Mary Alice, Beth, Lynda, and Tom. His children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He made countless sacrifices to be involved in their lives and maintained close personal relationships with all 16 of his grandchildren. He rarely missed a game or event, always there to cheer them on. As busy and important as he was in the lives of so many people, his family always knew that they were his priority.
Mr. Bronson and his family were a vital part of the Brooksville community and active members of First Presbyterian Church, and later founding members of Faith Presbyterian Church, where Tommy served as an elder and Sunday school teacher and many other leadership roles. In 2019, he was named Elder Emeritus at Faith Church. After an illness, Sarah Alice Bronson passed into the arms of Jesus in 2000. Several years later, Mr. Bronson married Connie Hollingsworth. They enjoyed 20 years together; traveling, sailing, as well as visiting their beloved children and grandchildren.
Mr. Bronson was a fierce competitor, both on the field and in the boardroom. He demanded excellence from himself and those around him, always striving to be a lifelong learner and problem solver. He offered kindness and his trademark handshake and smile to all he met.
On August 31, 2024, this good and faithful servant went home to be with his Lord and was later interned at Brooksville Cemetery.