Billy Ray Browning, also affectionally known as GrandBilly by those who knew and loved him best, peacefully entered Heaven, Sunday evening, November 1, 2026.
Billy was a Springfield native, born to Bill and Mary Frances (Lawrence) Browning, on April 2, 1939. After attending Springfield High School, he married his sweetheart, literally the girl next door, Rachel Briggs. Billy served his country as a member of the United States Army and he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado during the early years of their marriage.
Billy and Rachel raised their two sons in Springfield, Kent (Cindy) and Brent (Melanie). Billy was a loving father and was quietly proud of his two boys. He was a hard worker and was employed by Genesco, and Saber Industries as a transportation supervisor.
Billy was a faithful husband to his beloved wife for 52 years and lovingly cared for her before her death in 2013. He defined what it means to love someone through sickness and health. His example of unwavering care and devotion is admired by family members and friends.
Billy was a member of Woodland Street Methodist Church. Throughout his years there, he was part of the choir and enjoyed being part of the Layman’s Club.
Billy lived a quiet life, enjoying his family, his work, his community, and reading Westerns. His life reflected Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.”
Billy was preceded in death by his wife Rachel, and his sister Sue Bryant. He is survived by his sister, Una (Dinky) Lane, his two sons and their wives, and by the grandchildren he loved so much, Alexandria Dauenhauer (Jared), Corban Browning (McKenna), Rachel Ann Browning, and Tori Browning and by his four precious great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Corban Browning, Jared Dauenhauer, Howard Johnson, Ray Bryant, Michael Crain, and Pat Brown.
GrandBilly will be greatly missed by his family, but he has left them a legacy of kindness and love.
The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Morningside of Springfield for their care and support.
The family requests, if so desired, that memorial donations be made in Billy’s memory to Woodland Street Methodist Church, Robertson County Isaiah 117 House, or Nashville Rescue Mission.
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield Memorial Gardens, Springfield, Tennessee. Pastor Anne Proctor will be presiding. There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Robertson County Funeral Home.
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