Elmer Browning

Elmer Ray Browning, 91, of Santa Fe, TX was taken to heaven on Sunday Morning, June 1, 2014 at his residence.

Ray was born July 22, 1922 in Magnolia, Louisiana to James M. and Addie Bradford Browning. After graduating from Central High School he attended Trade School and studied to be an Electrician.

When war was declared in December 1941, he joined the Army Air Force and served his country as a Radio Operator in Northern Africa, Italy, France, Germany and Austria.
Upon returning home he looked to Texas for a job and was hired by Pan American Amoco where he spent 37 years as a Machinist

In 1947 he married Gloria Carter of Pasadena, TX. They had two children: Michael Mike and Patricia Patti. Whatever his family was involved in, Ray supported. He loved working with Boy Scouts and Little League Baseball. He supported his wife when she decided to go to college to earn her teaching degree.

Rays life took on its greatest meaning when he, as a young father, accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and joined Pauls Union Church in La Marque, TX. When he began teaching a boys Sunday School class, he developed a passion to study the Word of God. He taught boys and girls, and teens all through his life at churches in La Marque, Texas City, and Santa Fe. He eventually graduated to teaching adults at Arcadia Christian Church until his health failed him last year.

When Ray retired in 1984 he spent 18 months building a new home in Santa Fe, TX. He had always been a master gardener, but now he could turn his back yard into a smorgasbord of good things to eat: various orange trees, pecan trees, fig and pear trees and vegetables. In 2003 his Navel Orange came in 2nd place in the Upper Gulf Coast Citrus Show. He loved sharing his produce to shutins and friends.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Leslie Browning, John Browning, and Clyde Browning sisters: Katie Bell Verbois and Lillie Mae Stubbs.

He leaves behind his wife Gloria of 66 years son Mike and wife Diane of Houston daughter Patti McMahan and husband Pat of Texas City grandchildren Rachel and Rebecca Browning. Many loving nieces and nephews also survive him.

A Celebration Service will be Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 11:00 at Arcadia Christian Church 14201 Beriton St in Santa Fe, TX 77517 with Rev. Jeff Spielman and Fr. Tino Barrera officiating. Lunch and Fellowship will follow the service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Prince, Hallmark Hospice, his church and many friends, and his loving caregiver, Theresa Fair for their special care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Salvation Army PO Box 1392
La Marque, TX 775681392

Rays faith in the Lord remained strong to the end. And it will be said of him, Well done, my good and faithful servant Matthew 25:21