Browning Thomas

Browning Thomas, 83, resident of Ocoee, Tn., passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at Bradley Healthcare in Cleveland, Tn. Browning grew up in Benton Tn., (Polk County) and was the son of Allen Pearson Thomas and Lena Stepp Thomas. He was a 1956 graduate of Polk County High School. Browning joined the U.S. Army in 1958 and completed Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. That same year, 1958, a young lady from Conasauga Tn., Virginia Lee Patterson, caught Browning's eye, and he and Virginia were married in December of 1958. Browning, Virginia and their four children, Larry, Cheryl, Carol and Ramona, were able to see the world and many of its wonders through Browning's Military Service. While in the Army, he was stationed at such places as France; Germany; Thailand; Vietnam and the Panama Canal Zone, not to mention the U.S. Bases he/they were stationed at. The family traveled with him to Germany, Thailand and the Panama Canal Zone, and many US Army Bases. Browning loved the Army, and some of the medals and awards he received while in the military were the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and many more. He retired from the Army as a Master Sargent, in 1979, and he and Virginia resided in Ocoee Tn. He took on a second career at Tri State Truss in Cleveland, Tn. Browning and Virginia attended Shiloh Baptist Church in Ocoee Tn. It is important to note that during his life, he and Virginia showed their children and others, that we are truly blessed through the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Browning was preceded in death by his wife Virginia; his parents and his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his children; Larry B. Bush and wife, Sandra, of Chickamauga; Cheryl Lynn Holloway and husband, Randall, of Ocoee; Carol Lane Edwards and husband, Keith, of Cleveland; Ramona Ann Jordan and husband, David, of Benton. Grandchildren include: Nathan Hixson; Keith Hixson; Amanda Wells; Chris Ledford; Samuel T. Bush; Justin T. Ledford; Alex Kachold; Aaron Kachold. Great Grandchildren include: Kallie Hixson; Kambree Hixson; Micah T. Wells; Lila Ledford; Ellie Wells.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2019 at Shiloh Baptist Church. The Funeral will then be conducted Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at Shiloh Baptist Church with Pastor Charlie Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in the Shiloh Cemetery with a Military Salute.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Browning and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Thomas family with these arrangements.