Bobby "Bob" Ray Browning

Bob met his wife and love of his life, Annabelle Lee, while roller-skating, at the young age of 17, and they were inseparable until her death in March of 2011.

Bob grew up in West Virginia and was employed at the Coca Cola bottling company in Logan, West Virginia before moving his young family to Ohio.

He was later employed by City Furniture in Mansfield before starting his own carpet business, Bob’s Discount Carpets in the mid 1970s. While running his business and raising a family, Bob enjoyed mentoring and teaching others the skills of carpet installation. He retired and closed his business on Bowman Street in Mansfield in 2001.

Bob enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Erie most weekends. He also enjoyed traveling. He and Anne would often travel to West Virginia, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, and New York. When he wasn’t working, fishing, or traveling, he could be found sponsoring local youth sports leagues and attending sporting events to support his grandchildren. Bob also enjoyed watching his family in their school and church choir concerts and plays.

Bob is survived by his five children, Teresa (Buford) Morris of Mesa, Arizona, Bob (Patricia) Browning of Ashland, Ohio, Regina (Pat) Cella of Bellville, Ohio, Donetta Browning of Independence, West Virginia and Trina (J) Purdy of Fort Myers, Florida. Bob left a legacy with 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great, great-grandchildren. Bob also had six siblings: Linda Nelson,  Glen Browning, Ralph Browning, Carl Browning, Thelma Stowers and Delores Evans.

Anyone who knew Bob appreciated his willingness to help others, especially those “down on their luck”. Many would say he was the type of man who would give the shirt off his back to help others in need. Although Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends, he is in a better place where he is healthy, whole, and reunited with his soulmate in heaven.

At his request, a private family service and burial was held at Mansfield Memorial Park.

The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.