John Thomas Browning

John Thomas Browning, 88, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away at his home surrounded by family on October 3, 2014. He was born on February 12, 1926 in St. Mary, Kentucky. John was a true Patriot and American Hero who proudly served his country in World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Upon his retirement from the US Navy SeaBees in 1968, John moved his family from California to Bradenton and worked for Tropicana Products, Inc., until 1989. John was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Edgar Browning, his mother Mary Ethel Mattingly Browning, his sisters Gladys, Grace, Mary Rita, Margaret and grandson Jason Andrew Browning. John is survived by his wife Joan of 59 years, Sons Paul Browning (Deby) of Sandy, Utah; Kevin Browning of Lakewood Ranch, FL and Denver, CO; Jeffrey Browning (Kathy) of Debary, FL; Dr. David Browning of Eureka, CA; and Matthew Browning of Arlington, VA; along with Brothers Sam, Ben, Ed, Mike, Sister Nancy all of KY; Grandchildren, Shannon (Sebastian), Erin, Jeremy (Holly), Ryan, Kyle, Adam, Kate and Anne, Step Grandchildren, Lauren & Austin Tucker, many nieces, nephews, and extended family. John was a loving father, husband, grandfather, godfather, and friend to all. He enjoyed watching and talking about politics and all kinds of sports especially Kentucky Wildcat Basketball and New York Yankees Baseball. He also enjoyed traveling the country in their RV. His favorite destination was Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. John was a devout Catholic who attended Mass every week, prayed the Rosary and Divine Mercy daily, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He set an excellent example for all. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 9:00 PM on Oct 10, 2014 at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, 720 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton, FL. Funeral services will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3100 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL, on Oct 11, 2014 at 10:00AM. He will be laid to rest at a later date in the National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.griffithcline.com . Donations may be made to St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bradenton, FL (www.sjcfl.org ) and/or Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Venice, FL (www.catholiccharitiesdov.org ).