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Captain Willie Eddie Browning Sr.

Passed 05/27/2024

Obituary For Captain Willie Eddie Browning Sr.

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


Condolences & Tributes

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America the Beautiful was sent for Captain Willie Eddie Browning Sr. - May 31, 2024

Send flowers for Captain Willie Eddie Browning Sr.

I just found out and want to say my prayers are with you all forever. A great man has gone home to live in the kingdom. May GOD bless you all. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal! Jeff Kelly

Prayers of comfort and strength for you at this most difficult time. You may not remember me, but I was your neighbor for a few years. Willie was a good man and neighbor. Barbara Burgess Jackson

Am so sorry for yourloss.Roy and Carolyy Smith Sr. and family.

My condolences to the Browning family πŸ’πŸ™πŸΎπŸ’ from the Mary Rogers family Marvin Jr& Shaneka.

SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MARGARET AND FAMILY.MAY WILLIE REST FOREVER IN HEAVEN.SENDING LOVE TO THE BROWNING AND DAWKINS FAMILIES. GOD BLESS. MARY REDFERN FROM ASHEVILLE.

Our deepest condolence with loving and caring thoughts. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Margaret, we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Praying God will show His love through caring friends, comforting memories, and moment of peace. His Word says, I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. John 14:18 Bill & Norma

Our deepest condolence with loving and caring thoughts. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Margaret, we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Praying God will show His love through caring friends, comforting memories, and moment of peace. His Word says, I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. John 14:18 Bill & Norma

Our deepest condolence with loving and caring thoughts. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Margaret, we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Praying God will show His love through caring friends, comforting memories, and moment of peace. His Word says, I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. John 14:18 Love Bill & Norma

My deepest sympathy to the family. Yall are in our prayers. Wilma Hackett and family s

My deepest condolences to the family. My fondest memories is working with Mr. Willie aka "Big Will" is what we called him when he worked in the Finance Department as a Code Enforcement. Big Will is what we called in times of great stories and laughter. Big Will is we called him to being a mentor to the majority of single women now married "how to get married and stay married" since him and Mrs. Margaret was married as long as I had been living. Big Will is what we called him when it was time to go on vacation and he was like "I got to go lol". Big Will you have impacted so many people and changed so many lives that your legacy will live on through all of us. Thank You to the family for sharing Big Will with us and thank you God for using your vessel. Until we meet again "Big Will" love Retired SFC Steven & Jackie Wood

Sending condolences and prayer to the family of cousin Willie. May God's peace continually surround you. I remember talking to Willie about info for our family tree and on several occasions when I worked in the city office, encouraging, giving me advice with that big smile; and when the family was together at different occasions.

Marilyn Hawes Wilkins Cousin

Deepest sympathy to the Browning Family. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I will always remember the fun and time we all shared in Highland and Highland Homes. And as you remember those days, I pray your smiles will be as broad as mine. Willie will always be remembered by me. Love you all. Faith (Button)

God bless you as I became to know you. To the family and friends we have lost someone special. I will see you later with nothing but love.

Rest in God's arms my friend Earnestine Carson Mickel

Sending sympathy and condolences to the Browning Family in the loss of your love one. πŸ™πŸ½πŸ™πŸ½πŸ™πŸ½ Blessings, Deacon Clarence Sweeney and Family

Our deepest sympathy to the Browning family on the loss of your loved one. We will truly miss our good neighbor and friend

Tyrone & Debra Coleman

Deepest sympathy to the Browning Family. Albert J. Smith

No more sickness. No more suffering. You can now rest in peace. Amen.

My sincere prayers and condolences to the Browning family. Gods speed and comfort during this time,and days ahead.

Kimberly S.Stoddard

Margaret, extending prayers and deepest sympathy to you and family. Gloria M.

May you rest in peace Willie. Always had a smile for and nothing but positive energy

Frankie Fowler and family

Rest in Eternal Peace. πŸ™ Dr. Betty J. Hines

Deepest sympathy to the Browning Family.

To the Browning family, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you as we know that you have lost a big part of your lives. Willie's spirit of fun and laughter will remain with us in the memories that will come to mind. May God heal your wounded hearts as you are reminded of those fond memories that you shared with him. Stan, Sr. and Marjorie (Love) Jones

I am reflecting on the fun times and great memories. RIP my friend. Never to be forgotten!!

Condolences to the family. Willie Hughes and family

Words can't ever express what you meant to me and my family because you always made sure that my two kids got passes to attend the upstate fair. Even when you and your co-horts would hide my car (THELOVE MACHINE) and Barry wouldn't have any idea what happened to it😁😁😁. We all had such good times at the Barber Shop and it was great people like you that made it happen Im grateful to you when my parents passed and you made sure you touched bases with me . Brother Willie take your BOW AND RIP will be missed but not forgotten your brother/friend Dennis Gibson πŸ™

Always a beautiful person

Margaret, my sincere thoughts and prayers. He was a gent and always brought a smile. Two of the kindest people. Dr. Beard

A good neighbor and a Gentleman. He will be missed by many. My prayers go out to the family. Lydia Watts

Praying for the family's peace and comfort as you endure the loss of your loved one. Allow God to be your rock as only He is able to provide. Your neighbor and friends. Gabriel and Florena Miller. πŸ™πŸΎπŸ™πŸΎ

To the Browning family from the Browning family. Willie were a vibrant man with plenty energy. Always full of laughter and plenty of smile. Thank you Jesus for allowing me as his cuz, to Always enjoy is company. RIP Love James & Bertha Browning

To the Browning family, I pray that the peace of GOD be with you and comfort you in the time of need.I pray that GOD will continue to supply all your needs emotionally and physically. Continue to pray and trust GOD! Love Roderick Hardy and family

Deepest sympathy to the Browning family! Captain Browning was a great coworker with the City of Spartanburg with a beautiful personality and smileβ€οΈπŸ™

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

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