James "Pete" Ray Browning

APRIL 24, 1924 – APRIL 29, 2018

James (Pete) Ray Browning passed away on April 29, 2018, comfortably and peacefully, with his family by his side. He was born on April 24, 1924 Eastport, MD to the late Haase and Virginia A. Browning.

Pete attended Annapolis Senior High School, at 18 years old, Pete was drafted into the Army and served in World War II, as a Tec 4 Medical Technician with the 36 Field Hospital in the Pacific. Pete served in the campaigns of Bismarck Archipelago, Eastern Mandates, South Philippines (Liberation), Western Pacific and Ryukyus. He received a Bronze Star on the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon for his participation in the Marshall Islands campaign. Pete also received a Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award and World War II Victory Ribbon for his service.

After the war, Pete worked for Baltimore Gas & Electric for over 35 years. He started out as a lineman and later was promoted to a trouble man.

Pete met the love of his life when he was only fourteen. They started to date shortly after he was discharged from the military. At the age of 22, they were married and lived a beautiful life together. Pete and Betty retired in the early 1980’s and moved from Annapolis, MD to Vero Beach, FL.

Preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mary (Betty) Elizabeth Browning, his sister, Connie Turner and daughter, Jane Watson. He is survived by his son Robert (Patricia) Browning of Annapolis and their three boys, Zachary (Randi), Nathan (Emily) and Jeremy Browning; his daughter Bonnie Hales of Virginia Beach and her five boys, Ricky, Mark (Ginger), Matthew (Julie), Andrew (Jennifer) and Bryan Hales and great grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date with inurnment in Maryland Veterans Cemetery Crownsville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pete’s honor to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.