Fred Orvil Browning was born August 22, 1926 in Claude, Texas to Fred and Louise Browning and grew up in Pampa, Texas, with 3 siblings. Fred passed away on November 14th, 2025. He played both football and baseball in school at Lefors, Texas. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and proudly served his country during World War II. He arrived on an island in the Pacific as a Private; he returned home as a Sergeant with a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, 2 Overseas Service Bars and an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon. After returning home, he enrolled in Hardin-Simmons University, where he met his loving bride; he obtained a bachelor's in business and later a master's in Education at Sul-Ross University. Fred and Mary Alice married on August 21, 1948 in Abilene, TX. He began a long career as a beloved teacher and coach – first in Grandfalls, TX and later in Lovington, NM. During summers, he also worked in oil and gas positions, as well as Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation. After retirement, Fred enjoyed celebrating the better days of the Dallas Cowboys; watching Texas Tech sports, as well as Lovington sports events (especially when his sons were playing); fly fishing; traveling all over the country; working in his yard and garden; serving on the Estacado CU Board and volunteering countless hours for First Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents: brother: Kenneth Browning (Jean) and sister, Georgia Johnson (Maynard); as well as his sons: Richard Dale Browning (2001) and Gary Don Browning (2004).

Fred is survived by his beautiful wife of 77 years, Mary Alice of Lovington, NM; sister: Joy Hurst of Utah; granddaughters: Caroline (husband, Robert) of Ft. Worth, TX, and Rebecca of Clinton, OK, as well as 24 nieces and nephews and many loving friends – all of whom absolutely adored him.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Lovington on Friday, November 21, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by lunch and memorial at 2:00 p.m., then graveside at Lovington Cemetery with military honors.

Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.