David Louis Browne

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, David Louis Browne, 92, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Anderson, South Carolina, surrounded by his family.David was born on May 1, 1933, to Mary Alice (Welch) Browne and Robert Connellan Browne. He was the youngest of ten children. David came from a proud Irish Catholic lineage. His parents, second-generation Irish-Americans from the Boston area, eventually settled in Mount Airy, North Carolina, after investing in the Mount Airy Granite Quarry, then the largest open-face quarry in the world. As he grew older, David developed a deep reverence for his Irish heritage. His curiosity inspired several journeys to Ireland, where he embraced the opportunity to explore his ancestry and immerse himself in the culture of his forebears. David’s life was rich with passions, hobbies, and personal talents. A gifted musician, he could play the banjo and piano by ear, delighting family and friends with performances of songs by Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and the “mountain music” he so loved. He was also a devoted NASCAR fan and loved watching the races any chance he could. Living near the Bristol Motor Speedway gave him the opportunity to attend races in person—often taking family along to cheer on his favorite drivers, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. A natural handyman, David enjoyed woodworking, refinishing furniture, and crafting projects with his children and grandchildren. Whether building furniture from scratch or hunting down the perfect piece for a loved one’s new home, David never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He once replaced an entire plumbing system in his daughter’s first house—an act of love emblematic of his quiet generosity and hands-on devotion to his family. Community and relationships were at the center of David’s life. He especially looked forward to the Browne family reunions and gatherings with his Mount Airy High School Class of ’53. Outside of reunions, in every town he lived, he built meaningful relationships—often beginning with a simple morning chat over a biscuit at his favorite local Hardee’s. His optimism, humor, and gracious spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His family joked that they couldn’t go anywhere without him knowing someone- and, if he hadn’t met them yet, it was just a matter of time. With a warm smile and the gentle nature of a true Southern gentleman, David had a gift of making people feel seen, welcomed, and uplifted. He was the type of person with whom you could instantly form a genuine connection with. His enduring positivity and resilience will never be forgotten. From a young age, David was industrious and determined. He worked at Surry Dairy and also delivered newspapers as a boy—one of his most treasured possessions was a copy of the paper he once delivered announcing the end of World War II. After graduating from Mount Airy High School in 1953, David joined the U.S. Army and later served in the Army Reserves until 1962. Following his service, he earned a business degree from Belmont Abbey College in 1959. Shortly thereafter, David began a long and successful career with JCPenney. Starting as a stock boy, he rose through the ranks to become a store manager. His career took him and his family across the Southeast—from Mount Airy, NC to Seneca, SC, to Princeton and Bowling Green, KY, and finally to Bristol, TN—where he retired in 1994 after a long and loyal tenure. JCPenney not only was a place David loved to work; it also brought him the love of his life. David met his wife Janie while working a shift at the store. They fell in love and were married in 1960. Their love blossomed into a beautiful life, and they welcomed their first child the following year. Although he was proud of his professional accomplishments, David’s most treasured roles were as a husband, father, and “Pops” to his grandchildren. He never missed a swim meet, school event, or Boy Scout project. Thoughtful and dependable, he always showed up—often putting others’ needs before his own. He made a habit of creating joyful moments that became lifelong memories. From teaching his grandkids to ride bikes or drive, to raking leaf piles just for the fun of jumping in them, David brought magic to the simplest moments. David loved the outdoors and shared that love with his family. Each summer, his grandchildren visited him and Janie in Bristol, TN, where he would take them hiking and fishing at The Weirs and Holston Lake—adventures they will always treasure. David is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Alice Welch Browne and Robert Connellan Browne of Mount Airy, NC; his siblings: Robert Browne, Francis Browne, Robert Maurice Browne, Thomas Marcus Browne III, John Alphonse Browne, Joseph Connellan Browne, Maurice Cornelius Browne, Mary Agnes Cohill, Monica Alice Preisinger, and Therese Browne Abraham; and his beloved son, Christopher Kevin Browne. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janie Marion Browne; his daughter, Sarah Jane Long (and her husband Bobby Lenard Long), and his son, Louis Patrick Browne (and his wife Danielle Jean Warth-Browne); and his beloved grandchildren: Kathleen Connellan Browne, Nicholas Prescott Browne (and his wife Sydney Lee Browne), Colleen Elizabeth Long, and Claire Margaret Long. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Morningside Assisted Living and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care. They are deeply grateful to all those who supported David and his family during his final days. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Philip S. Gillespie as celebrant. The family will greet guests immediately following the service. A committal service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Oakdale Cemetery in Mount Airy, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Holy Angels Catholic Church, Mt. Airy, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.