Rev. John Robert Browning, Jr.
September 3, 1935 ~ April 6, 2022
NASHVILLE - Rev. Dr. John Robert Browning, Jr., age 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Born in Hertford County, NC on September 3, 1935, he was the son of the late John Robert Browning, Sr. and Carrie Dell Manning Browning. He was also preceded in death by his son, Rev. Marvin Tim Browning; his son-in-law, Dr. Charles Marshall Coats; his step-father, Clyde O.P. Hughey; and his sister, Shirley Browning Windisch.
John was a graduate of Atlantic Christian College. He received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary. He was a former educator and Chairman of Student Support Services at Nash Community College. John was the minister for 65 years of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He pastored the following churches: Rocky Fork Christian Church, Rocky Fork, NC; Butler Christian, Butler, KY; First Christian Church, Smithfield, NC; First Christian Church, Robersonville, NC; First Christian Church, Rocky Mount, NC; Rountree Christian Church, Ayden, NC; recently, Pinetops Presbyterian, Pinetops, NC; various interims for Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina; and Regional Elder for Christian Church. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janice "Jan" Manning Browning; his daughter, Susan "Beth" Coats of Nashville; his nephew, Steve Windisch and wife, Patti, of Swannanoa; niece, Terry Hale and husband, Olin, of Ruckersville, VA, whom he also considered his children; his grandchildren, Laura Winstead and husband, Shane, and J.C. Coats; and his great-grandson, Brayden Winstead.
A Funeral Service to celebrate John's life will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 2:00 PM at First Christian Church, 1101 West Haven Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27803 with Rev. Beth Burton-Williams and Dr. C.J. Cauble officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's memory to First Christian Church, 1101 West Haven Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27803.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
First Christian Church of Rocky Mount Fellowship Hall
1101 West Haven Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
Monday 4/11, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
A visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall.
Service
First Christian Church of Rocky Mount
1101 West Haven Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NCC 27803
Monday 4/11, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A Funeral Service to celebrate John's life will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 2:00 PM at First Christian Church, 1101 West Haven Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27803 with Rev. Beth Burton-Williams and Dr. C.J. Cauble officiating.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Monday 4/11, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Steve and I are very sorry to hear about Rev. John Browning’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to the Browning family and to all that are close to him dearly. Rev. John Browning was thoughtful and kind person. He has set a good example as a church Pastor and a brother in Christ to many that he has met and had fellowship with. He has served the Lord with humility. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Rev. John Browning.
John was a true and model Christian, and served the lord with all he had. There is no doubt he has gone to be with the lord in heaven. He was loved by many, and gave his all for Christ. No one could ask for more. We are so sorry to see him leave and he will be missed by many. He was truly the beacon on the hill that was a guide to how we should live as Christians; by demonstrating love, hope, humbleness, and patience to all. Our condolences to the family in their grief. Faith will give you the strength to deal with this loss, just as John would have wanted.
My condolences and prayers. John was a very special man. He was someone that I knew I could talk to and he would sit and listen to me. Every time we saw each other we would give each other a hug and always told me he was still praying for me. I am going to miss him more than I can say.
So sorry for your loss!!! John was such a fine man and will be missed greatly.
John was one of the finest people you could ever know. A wonderful man.
This is Kay Kelly from Rocky Fork Christian Church in Sanford NC. John Browing and Jan were Dearly Loved by All members and really enjoyed him serving our Church over the past. Rocky Fork was Johns first Church as a student Minister from Atlantic Christian College ! We were Truly BLESSED To have privilege and Honor to have John as our pastor and Friend. Sending our prayers thoughts and Love to Jan Beth and Family 🙏
In memory of Rev. John Robert Browning, Jr., Reverend Verna Daye lit a candle
May the peace and strength of God be your portion as you go through this process, and in the days to come.
John Browning was a great man with a great family. I have known him for over 65 years when we were in Disciple Christian churches while both in college. He was a wonderful minister always bringing a historical depth to his preaching and teaching. We have lost on earth one of God’s good ones. God comfort his family !
We are so sorry to learn of John’s death. Love and prayers to all of you.
Jan, Beth, Laura, JC, and family, I am sending you much love and prayers. John was a fantastic human being. I enjoyed working with him for many years at NCC from the moment I met him in 1984. He was an incredible teacher, mentor, boss, and friend to me. I will always have fond memories of his guidance and kindness. Much love to you in this time of loss.
Mrs. Browning and Beth, I am very sorry to hear about Dr. Browning passing. I enjoyed working with him at Nash Community College very much. He could put a smile on anyone’s face anytime just by being there. He was truly awesome. Take care and God bless each of you. Cheryl Landin Nash Heart Center
Jan, I was my pleasure to be mentored, encouraged and taught by Dr. John Browning. When I was hired as a counselor in Nash Community College Student Support Services he provided me guidance, mentorship, and the opportunity to learn everything I could which allowed me to assume his position when he retired. I will cherish the memories of the talks and sermons he shared with me. My life was changed by having known this man of God
Rev. Browning was a wonderful christian and minister. I have known him for over 40 years and every time we would meet, he was alway the same, smiling and happy. He would always tell me, every time I pass by your house, I think of you. He was a great influence in my life. May God continually bless his family.
Jan, Beth, Terry, Olin, Steve, Patti, Laura, JC, and Brayden – we have been neighbors with John and Jan for 25 years and could not have asked for better neighbors and more Christian minded, loving individuals as John and Jan. Al talked about John all the time and we loved seeing him work in his yard and tinker with various things. Al always made sure that he and Jan knew we were here if they EVER needed ANYTHING and John made sure to always reciprocate. He was just a wonderful, wonderful person and we miss him dearly… but we know we will see him again one day. May God comfort you and provide you peace during this difficult time. We love you all.
Beth, JC and family, so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Love, Johnny and Joyce
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Browning’s passing. He made such an impact on me as a college student many years ago. He was such a positive influence on our community. My prayer is that the peace of God will be with his family and friends.🌟
To the family, I am sorry for the grief that you are feeling. Knowing of God’s love for you, continue to look to him when he will wipe out all tears from our eyes, death, suffering, and pain will be no more Revelation 213,4 He says death is an enemy that will be brought to nothing 1 Corinthians 1526 How comforting to know that this will be a thing of the past and through Christ Jesus a resurrection for our loved ones. [emailprotected]