Obituary
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Obituary
Dr. Gary M. Browning, age 51, peacefully passed away in Norfolk, Virginia on September 9, 2009.Dr. Browning, an OB/GYN with Tidewater Physicians for Women in Norfolk, VA, was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky. He was a 1976 graduate of Bullitt Central High School in Shepherdsville, KY. Dr. Browning graduated with a B.S. from Morehead State University, in Morehead, KY in 1980 and followed that with his medical degree in 1984 from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, in Lexington, KY. In 1988, he completed his internship and obstetrics and gynecology residency in Norfolk, VA at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. He began his full-time medical career that same year with Tidewater Physicians for Women and he served his beloved patients there until his illness forced his recent retirement from the practice.
Dr. Browning was a Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the North American Menopause Society, the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine, the Virginia Medical Association and the Virginia OB-GYN Medical Society. He was appointed as a Clinical Instructor at the Eastern Virginia College of Medicine.
He is survived by his partner, “Pep” Jose Manuel Dominguez Lopez, of Barcelona, Spain; his father, Larry Cason Browning, of Cynthiana, KY; his mother, Glenda Sue Hehr Browning, of Chesapeake, VA; his paternal grandmother, Edith Wells Browning, of Cynthiana, KY; his sister, Debra B. Lybrand and her husband, Charles W. Lybrand, both of Chesapeake, VA; his nephew, Douglas Cason Street, of Chesapeake, VA; his great-niece, Rebekah Nicole Street, of Lexington, SC; and his great-nephew, Chance Cason Street, also of Lexington, SC. He is also survived by his faithful and dedicated companion of 17 years, his Siamese cat, Tico. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Edward Browning, and his maternal grandparents, Withers “Shug” Hehr and Jessie Burgess Hehr, all of Cynthiana, KY.
Dr. Browning loved to travel and visited multiple continents and countries throughout his adventurous trips each year. At the time of his death, he had visited every continent except Antarctica. His most recent travels included time in Australia, an extended visit to Spain and a sojourn to Hawaii. He had planned to live abroad after retirement. His passport was a testament of his love of travel with its various and colorful visas and international stamps. Dr. Browning collected many artifacts on his travels and shared unique and thoughtful gifts with his family and friends upon each return. From riding camels, zip-lining, and whitewater rafting to hot air ballooning, Dr. Browning always looked forward to his journeys and returned with wonderful and entertaining stories about his travels.
A celebration of Dr. Browning’s life was held in Norfolk, VA on October 3, 2009. This event was attended by his vast family of friends, patients, colleagues, medical support personnel and neighbors in a loving tribute and review of his life.
Dr. Browning’s family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the many patients and medical personnel who have called and sent him cards and notes during his illness. The kind and loving words shared with Dr. Browning were a wonderful acknowledgement of his impact through his practice and his guidance and were a source of comfort to him.
In memory of Dr. Browning, donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, 6171 Kempsville Road, Norfolk, VA 23502-3930.
I did not know Dr. Browning but my heart goes out to his loved ones. Death does touch us all. Did you know that the Bible calls death an enemy? 1 Corinthians 15:26 says: "As the last enemy, death is brought to nothing," It is so comforting that our dear loved ones are in a death-like sleep awaiting a resurrection. Ecclessiastes 9:5,10 Notice the wonderful picture Psalm 37:10,11 paints as it talks about what the earth will be like when they are resurrected. it says: "And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more, And you will certainly give attention to his pllace, and he will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, And they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." Our Creator, who cannot lie, (Titus 1:2) promises even more. Notice what Revelation 21:3,4 says: "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say; "Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside withthem, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passes away." I have a wonderful Bible study aid that can open more Bible truths to you when you use your own copy of the Bible. The name of it is:'"What Does the Bible Really Teach?" it is free, and sent with no obligaion. Just contact me. Joyce Armold 13016 W. Elm St. Suprise, Az. 85374 email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
In the two years since Gary's death, we have heard from so many of his friends and patients. Your words and sweet support have carried us through the hardship of losing Gary. We knew he was a great man; all of you have confirmed for us just how special he was to those of us besides his family.
I was fortunate to visit Barcelona in July this year and have some time with Pep in the city my brother loved with the man he loved. I just am overwhelmed at how looking at the city helped me understand why Gary was so comfortable there and would be happy there with Pep.
Pep was a great host and helped me see through my brother's eyes his foreign home-to-be. The only thing that would have made the visit more grand was if Gary himself was the one to offer us the viewpoint of Barcelona and share time with us there. Since that could not be, my dearest Pep did this wonderful touring of Barcelona that offered a healing in my heart and. as much as I've loved Pep since the day I met him, his actions only confirmed that I will love him until my death as he is a remarkably close connection with my brother and we share a bond that will never be broken, but made sweeter with memories, laughter, and joy in talking about Gary. I could not have been given a better gift in my life than my dear brother-in-law!
I pray for all my friends and family who have lost their loved ones and I just hope you have someone who can help you live in the joys of your lost one's life, talking about the funny and most cherished moments that help us all form a barrier from the hurt of loss and move us to acceptance with a remembrance of why we will never forget our loved ones.
For all of you who remember Gary, Pep, and our family and recount with us your own stories of loss and healing, you are my heros and you need to hear this: you have helped with the healing of a staggering loss and I love you each for what you have said that takes a pang of sadness and moves it to a memory of love, for the hug that has come when it was needed most, and for just being the best support system a family could have. I pray we are able to return the same love and support when you are in need.
I had been a patient of Dr Browning since I was 19 years old and he was the sweetest person I ever month! He always remembered our past conversations about traveling and he suggested the best places. I just found out that he passed away and this really made me sad. Bless him and his family.
This touching narrated video recounts the story of Gary's life from those who knew and loved him best.
A gallery of photos set to music that chronicle Gary's life from a boy to the man.
Written and performed by Janet McCauley on piano, this song is a tribute to Gary's life and accomplishments.