William R. "Bill" Browning

Bill was born on May 26, 1930 in Christopher, Illinois, the son of Ray James and Verda Browning. He married Catherine Venegoni at First Christian Church in Christopher, Illinois, on January 13, 1951.

Bill is survived by his wife, Catherine; his daughter, Kari R. Tomei (husband, Bruce) of Long Beach, California and three grandchildren: Jenna, Kevin, and Marissa Jenkins (Tomei); and his son, William R. Browning, Jr. (wife, Georgina) and two granddaughters, Kierra and Tianna. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Gracie Venegoni; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray James and Verda Browning; his father-in-law, Bert Vengon; and mother-in-law, Tina Vengoni; sister-in-law, Jo Byars; and brothers-in-law, Glenn Byars and Bert Vengoni, Jr.

Bill graduated from Christopher Community High School in 1948. He received his B.S. degree from S.I.U. Carbondale in 1952, majoring in English / Speech, and received his master’s degree from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, in 1958, majoring in Educational Administration.

He was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church (FCC) and served as a deacon and elder at FCC in Springfield, Illinois. Bill served in the U.S. Army as Battalion Sergeant Major during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post #32, as well as the Illinois Education Association.

He was also a member, board member, and honorary lifetime member of the Great Lakes Areas Development Council and served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Basic Industrial Development Course, University of Illinois. Bill authored numerous articles and delivered seminars and workshops.

In 1954, he was a classroom teacher for English / Speech and coach for the Staunton Community High School district, Staunton, Illinois, and in 1958 moved to the Springfield School District continuing as a teacher and coach at Lanphier High School.

In 1965, he was appointed Co-Director of Community School Programs for the Springfield School District. From 1967 through 1974, he worked for the Community Development Division of the Illinois Department of Business and Economic Development.

In 1974, Bill moved to the Illinois Department of Personnel's Bureau of Inter-governmental and Manpower Affairs where he was appointed Manager of the Division of Employee Development. He closed his career as a Grants Administrator for the State Board of Education, where he assisted with training adult employees. With 38 years of community service, he retired in 1989.

After retirement, he and Catherine lived on a golf course in Mesa, Arizona six months each year. In his spare time, when he wasn't on the golf course, he researched his genealogy. He also liked cross word puzzles, reading, and all sports.

Bill managed Khoury league baseball teams for several years during the summer months. As a youth, he enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, duck hunting, and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals, his favorite team. He especially loved his home, his family, and his five grandchildren.

A private graveside ceremony officiated by Reverend Rick Irwin was held at Oak Ridge Cemetery on July 8, 2020 with the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County providing military honors. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 700 S. 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.