David Browning

Published 12:00 am Friday, March 6, 2009

Dr. David E. Browning succumbed on March 3, 2009. He was born in Waco, Texas, March 13, 1913, to Mr. and Mrs. P.K. Browning, who moved their family to different locations until they settled in Texarkana, Texas.
It is there where David finished high school and attended Texarkana Texas Junior College , one of the first two year colleges.
He played football in both high school and college, and also lettered in other sports.
David and his wife LaMena met in high school.
He chose the ministry in his early years, pursuing studies at Ouachita University where he and LaMena graduated in 1937.
His further studies were at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, where he received his doctorate in theology. Further studies included those in Oxford, England and Hardwyn, Wales.
David’s publications included poetry printed in Theology Today.
Besides early pastorates while in school, he was minister of the First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Troy, Alabama; and the first Pastor of River Road Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia.
While living in Montgomery, Alabama, he was Interim Pastor in Tallassee, Sellers Station, and Valley Park. He also taught at Alabama State University for 12 years.
He and his wife moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina in 1989 where he taught in the Department of Religion at Appalachian State University and served as Interim Pastor of several local churches, ending his active ministry as Pastor of the Laurel Fork Baptist Church in Blowing Rock.
For health reasons and to be near family, the Brownings moved to Auburn, Alabama where they have resided for the past nine years.
He and his wife have been active members of the Auburn First Baptist Church.
Dr. Browning is survived by his wife of 75 years and his three sons Dr. David Browning, Jr. and his wife Bette, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dr. Philip Browning and his wife Judy, Auburn, Alabama; Walter Browning, J.D. and his wife Jennifer, The Woodlands, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.
His son John Browning, London, England, predeceased him.
A memorial service will be held this Saturday at the Auburn First Baptist Church beginning at 11:00 AM followed by a brief visit in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church’s music program.

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