Browning

Winfred O. "Wink" Browning, 86, of Panama City Beach, Fla., passed away Wednesday at Bay Medical Center in Panama City.

He was born in Switzer, W.Va., grew up and attended Logan County High School, excelling in all sports.

Wink enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after high school. He saw service with the 155th Defense Batallion in the Solomon Islands and Marshall Islands during World War II. Then with the 2nd Marine Division, he fought in the invasion and occupation of Saipan, Okinawa, and finally, the occupation of Japan at Nagasaki, arriving six days after the A-bomb blast.

After his military service, he attended electrical school, becoming an industrial electrician. Wink later changed careers and became an award-winning salesman in the new manufactured housing industry in Butler. During his 20-year career, he helped thousands of newlyweds, veterans and the elderly obtain affordable new homes. He then returned to the electrical field, retired in 1991 after 20 years and moved to Panama City Beach with his wife of 46 years, Maggie, to aid in her battle with cancer and be closer to her children.

After the death of the love of his life, Maggie, he embraced Florida life, fishing at the piers, volunteering and fishing at the state park and spending time with his buddies.

For the last 15 years, he served as president and property manager of the Palisades Condominium Association.

He truly was one of the Greatest Generation.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Nancy Browning; and three brothers, Millard, Lenny and Little Frank.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas Browning of Panama City Beach and David Browning of Lynn Haven, Fla.; a sister, Phyllis Baker of Ohio; and his grandson, Jordan David Browning of Tallahassee, Fla.

It would be very much in keeping with Wink's last wishes to acknowledge the value of his life in the many friendships, both business and personal, Elks Lodge, VFW members, fishing friends and all the wonderful people with whom he shared portions of his life.

<B>BROWNING</B> — Memorial services for Winfred O. "Wink" Browning, who died Wednesday, May 20, 2009, will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at <B>Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel</B>. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until service time at 5 p.m.In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wink's name may be made to the American Cancer Association.