Bill Browning

Billy Don Browning, 72, past owner of Dublin Pawn and sales, went peacefully in his sleep to be with God Thursday, December 06, 2007. Funeral Services were held 1:00 pm Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dean Reed officiating. Interment will follow at 3:30 PM at Bullock Cemetery north of Ranger, Texas. Bill was born on November 8, 1935 in Haskell, Texas to the late Eugene and Willie Mae Browning. He married Joyce Dempsey on November 5, 1954 in Ranger and was a devoted and loving husband for 53 years. Bill graduated from Ranger High School in 1954. He played on the 1953 Class A State Football Championship team of Ranger High School and was known as "The Golden Toe" for his kicking abilities. He served in the National Guard, patrolled pipelines; crop dusted and then flew many years as a commercial airline pilot. Bill was known for his dry sense of humor, his charity and genuine caring for people. He had a heart of gold and was willing to give everyone a chance. Bill was a member of the Stephenville First United Methodist Church and involved in the Kum Dubl Sunday School Class. In retirement he enjoyed watching sports, playing golf, and fishing; but mostly he enjoyed every moment he spent with his grandson, Shane. He is survived by his wife Joyce Browning of Stephenville; daughter, Teri Baxter and her husband Brad of Mesquite; grandsons, Shane Spinks; Clint Baxter and Charlie Baxter all of Mesquite; sister, Oneida England of Bedford, and niece Sandi Griffin of Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Stephenville; Happy Hill Farm Academy/Home; or to a charity of you choice.