Curtis Roger Browning

Curtis “Roger” Browning, 82 of Verdunville, WV, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, with his family by his side.  He was born on Oct. 31, 1941, at Dempsey Branch, WV.  He fought a hard battle against cancer.  

He is survived by his second wife of 5 years, Diana Walls Chapman Tomblin Vance Browning, his children, Tonya Browning-Marcum, Kimberly Shawn (Stephen) Cox, and Jamie Lynne Browning-Prickett, grandchildren, Kaylyn Renee’ Marcum (John Gazzillo), Willis Braxton Marcum, Stephanie Lauryn Cox, and Jaidan Curtis Robert Prickett, and one great-granddaughter Ava Renee’ Gazzillo.  He is survived by one brother, Ora Lee (Rhonda) Browning, and four sisters, Naomi Ruth “Pee Wee” Hensley, Judy Ann (Ray) Stamper, Shirley Mae Tomblin, and Toni Rose (Paul) Perdue. Roger is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He is preceded in death by his first wife of 46 years and mother of his three daughters, and the love of his life, Pamula Mae McAllister Browning, his parents, Willie and Jenethal Collins Browning, brothers James Arnold Browning, William Ray “Bill” Browning, Kennith Raymond Browning, Ernest David “Shot” Browning and sisters, Kathryn Browning and Barbara Sue Hale.  He is also preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Willis Earl Marcum and Robert William Prickett, as well as a very close and special cousin, Lionel Collins.   

Roger served honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam War Era.  He was a marksman and a Purple Heart recipient.  Roger was also a retired coal miner, retiring from Arch of WV in 1997. Roger and Lionel enjoyed the WV mountains.  They were among the first to convert the VW Beetle (Bug) into dune buggies to explore our southern counties.  They then upgraded to four-wheelers, and then again to side by sides. 

Roger was extremely talented at repairing and assembling anything.  He was a gifted card player with a fantastic memory, and his favorite card partner was his sister, Judy.  Roger had several antique cars and enjoyed attending car shows.  He loved music and playing the guitar.  He also enjoyed visiting Georgia to see his nephew, David Lee Browning, and his friend Joey Roper.  Roger loved to argue.  His mother said he would argue with a fence post.  He especially enjoyed debating politics with James “Doodle” Green, whom he was also very close to.  Roger was never a lover of cats, but a stray kitten, Jasmine, stole his heart. While Roger may no longer be here with his family and friends physically, he will remain in the hearts of those around him eternally.

His immediate family will gather to remember him at Akers James Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Friends are also welcome.