James Hubert Browning

JAMES HUBERT BROWNING James H. Browning, Sr. of Lanham passed away on Friday, January 13, 2012 peacefully at Holy Cross Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Emmett, West Virginia on January 29, 1931, the son of Hubert and Elizabeth Lovins Browning. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Browning, Geneva Hayes and Juanita Baione. Surviving are his sisters Barbara Prillaman and Anna Lou Ross. Survived by his wife Doris Mills Browning and his six Children, Drema Redding, Barbara Thomas, James H. Browning, Jr., Betty Pearson , Anita Colombo and Tina Browning; 10 Grand Children, Gregory, Sabrina, Jean, Darlene, James III, Dale, Donavan, Nicole, Donald and Robert. He also had 4 great grandchildren, Abigail, Maniah, Jayla and Emma. Not many career opportunities were available in the small West Virginia coal mining town where Mr. Browning grew up. As a result, at age 17 he decided to enlist in the Army to travel the world and fight for the land that he loved, including service during the Korean War stationed in Japan. Mr. Browning was an active participant in Army musical performances, including dancing, singing, and playing the guitar. He had happy feet during the dance sessions at the USO Shows, and learned some of his best dance moves from the Tasty Cake Starlet, Pat Carroll. During these dance instructions he earned his nickname, “Sleepy Eyes,” for his innocent, droopy eyes. “It’s the best thing I ever did in my life. Every man should experience it.” Mr. Browning had always been proud of his service in the U.S. Army. He made sure family and friends were aware of this. Following his services years, Mr. Browning returned home and worked for Chrysler in Detroit, Michigan. However, his true career passion remained in the catering world. He began his mobile catering business from scratch after moving to Maryland. Browning’s Industrial Catering became a huge success. Aside from professional achievements, Mr. Browning’s top priority was always his family of one son, five daughters, ten grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, all close-knit and local to this day!