Willie E. Browning, Sr. was a native of Spartanburg, SC born to the late Preston and Flossie Dawkins Browning. He was married to Margaret Rogers Browning for forty-five years.

Willie was educated through the Spartanburg School District 7. He served honorably as a Veteran in the US Army. Willie then joined the Spartanburg Fire Cadet Program at Spartanburg Technical College.

In 1972, Willie joined the City of Spartanburg Fire Department where he was recognized as the first black paid firefighter. In 1982, he became the first black Prevention Officer. In 1992, Willie was the first black Fire Inspector. In 1998, he was the first black firefighter to retire from the City of Spartanburg. Willie served as the first Commissioner of South Carolina from 2000 until his passing.

Survivors include: daughter, Cynthia Kelly of Charlotte, NC; sons, Derrick Reid (Stacey) of Greenwood , SC and Eddie Browning (Bathsheba) of Boiling Springs, SC and Natausha Dendy (Benardo) of Moore, SC; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers, Ernest Dawkins, Preston Browning (Mary), Nathaniel Browning (Vickie) and Charles Browning; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by: two brothers, Roy Lee Mathis and Sidney Browning; one sister, Francis Dillard; and one great-granddaughter, Anje.

On Monday, May 27, 2024, Willie transitioned peacefully. His legacy of genuine love and support for others will continue.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 502 S. Daniel Morgan Ave., Spartanburg, SC. Interment will be in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, 3901 S. Church St., Roebuck, SC. Livestream will be available on tha Macedonia Webpage.

J. W. Woodward
Funeral Home