Hays R Browning

He was preceded in death by his parents, retired Navy Captain Hays R. Browning and Katherine Murchison Browning, and his half-brother, Ashbel Green, a longtime editor at Knopf publishing house in New York.

Hays was a direct descendant of Jacob Hays, High Constable of the City of New York from 1802 to 1849, who was said to be the first police officer to use modern detecting methods. His great-grandfather was William Charles Browning, a founder of prominent national retailer Browning, King & Co., known for supplying uniforms and furnishings to the U.S. armed forces in the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I.

As the son of a naval officer, Hays attended many lower schools, including The Potomac School and St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve with Heavy Attack Squadron Ten, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

A proud Washingtonian who lived in the city for more than six decades, Hays worked for trade groups including the Highway Users Federation for Safety and Mobility and the National Automobile Dealers Association. He built a retail career at local department store Woodward & Lothrop, clothier Raleigh’s, and Crate & Barrel at Spring Valley.

Ongoing study of music, art and history was a lifelong pursuit for Hays. From 1978 to 2001, he combined his particular interests in Russian history and decorative arts with his work as a docent at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the former home of philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post. There, Hays cultivated many friendships with colleagues that endured until his death. He also had a lifelong love of horticulture, tending plants indoors and out and volunteering on the grounds committees at 2101 Connecticut Avenue and The Westchester.

Hays is survived by his nephew Ashbel S. Green of Portland, Oregon; niece Alison Green of London; three great-nieces; and a great-nephew. He also is survived by his companion, Anne R. Carey of Washington, D.C.; sister-in-law Elizabeth Osha Green of Stonington, Connecticut; and her daughters, Shaw and Steuart Osha. Additional survivors are cousins Caroline B. Pierce of Big Sky, Montana; Stephen B. Pierce of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Max de Wardener of Exeter, Rhode Island, as well as many longtime close friends.

A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, November 14, at 11 a.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hays’ memory may be made to Vocal Arts DC or Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts.

The family wishes to thank the team at The Kensington Bethesda for its compassionate, loving care of Hays.