William R. (Bill) Browning, 93, of Bluefield, WV, passed away Monday, June 8, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.He was born on September 30, 1926 in Bluefield, WV to the late Fletcher and Martha Browning. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by stepmother Elsie Akers Browning, and two sisters - Jane Fralick and Sara Jackson.
William faithfully served his country during WWII.He was also a truck driver and retired from the railroad as well as Joy Manufacturing Co. for 21 years each.He was a devout member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bluefield, WV. since a very young man.He enjoyed being with his family, sitting on the front porch, working with his flowers in the yard.He took pride in his home.He also enjoyed the Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves and loved the Bluefield Orioles.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty Smith Browning, as well as sons Paul Richard Browning and wife Pam of Princeton, WV, David William Browning and wife Hope of Chattanooga, TN, daughters Josephine Bowman and husband Keith of Princeton, WV, Teresa Browning of Smyrna, GA and Martha Thompson of Bluefield, WV. Grandchildren Kristopher Bowman and fiancé' Dawn Lester of Princeton, Erik Bowman andhis wife Dusty of Christiansburg, VA, Jonathan Farley and his wife Jennifer of Naples, FL , Michael Farley of Hilton Head, SC and Lindsey Dye and her husband Jason of Bluefield, VA.Great-grandchildren left to cherish his memory are Ariel Bowman, Isabelle Bowman, Annika Bowman, Luke Bowman and Sammy Farley.
A celebration of William's life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the Roselawn Funeral Home Chapel.A gathering of friends and family will be from 10:00 - 11:00 AM.He will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Gardens following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be sent to Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Bluefield, WV.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.roselawnmontevista.com
Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery is honored to be serving the Browning family.