TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Leon County couple who lost their home of fifty years to a devastating fire last week escaped seconds before it spread to their bedroom.
Andrew Brown, a former Florida State University groundskeeper, and his wife, Gloria, have navigated life together for six decades.
Andrew Brown said a fateful early morning trip to the bathroom alerted him to the danger.
“The fire was coming out the top of the door and the bottom of the door. And it was just pouring out,” he said.
The aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed Andrew and Gloria Brown’s home of 50 years. (Jacob Murphey/WCTV)
The fire started in a utility room, and their bedroom was just steps away. Gloria Brown said it was a harrowing experience, and they are lucky to be alive.
“It was terrible. I was so afraid. But I did the best that I could. My husband was hollering, get out, get out,” she said.
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The couple was able to escape their home moments before the flames spread. They say it was divine intervention.
“Life means more than a house and anything else. And I know God is all in control,” Gloria said.
Brown’s one-of-a-kind stash of garnet and gold, which he collected while working as a groundskeeper for thirty years, was lost in the fire.
While working with the legendary Bobby Bowden, Brown received a treasure trove of ‘Noles merchandise.
“I had everything you can wear,” he said. “I had down pajamas and everything else. Nearly all of it, including signed footballs and paintings, gone.”
The aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed Andrew and Gloria Brown’s home of 50 years. (Jacob Murphey/WCTV)
A hat and a jacket that was left in his truck are all that remains of is treasured collection.
Now, the family is determined to start a new collection, and they’re off to a good start thanks to kind donations from strangers
Their rebuilding effort is being aided by a GoFundMe that’s raised more than $12,000 in just a week, and the family is welcoming more FSU-themed donations to make sure Andrew can get another man cave just for him.
Anyone with FSU memorabilia willing to help the effort can reach out to the family by contacting Bria at 850-212-2422 or email at bria.edwards1222@gmail.com.
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