William (Bill) Fleming Browning III

William Fleming Browning III (Bill) passed away peacefully on January 19, 2024, at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL, after a short battle with metastatic melanoma. He was surrounded by those who loved him most until the very end. 

Bill was born in 1951, in Charlottesville, VA. and was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. William Fleming Browning, Jr. He attended Murrah High School in Jackson, MS and was graduated from Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL. 

Bill worked as landman in the oil and gas business for more than 50 years. He worked with his father at Browning and Welch, Inc., an independent oil and gas exploration and consulting company in Jackson, MS. In 2008, he started Browning Oil and Gas, LLC where he continued his work with his son as landmen acquiring/owning real properties and mineral interests in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. 

He lovingly welcomed daughters; Kimberly Jacquelyn Walker (Brandon, MS), Angela Browning Montgomery (Fairhope, AL) and Cherly Browning McInnis (Oxford, MS).

In September 1992, he married his wife of 31 years, Laurie Spell Browning, in Jackson, MS and together they lovingly welcomed their only son, William Fleming Browning IV. The family lived in Jackson, MS, and Baton Rouge, LA before settling in Fairhope, AL in 1998.

Bill enjoyed spending time outdoors boating, deep sea fishing, hunting, and playing tennis. He treasured his time at the family’s deer camp, Creek House, where he and his family enjoyed nature. He loved long runs with his beloved dogs Wulfie and Goose, doing back flips off his boat and Middle Bay Lighthouse. He especially enjoyed watching his children grow up playing sports and riding horses. He was blessed with a large group of amazing friends that have loved and supported him. Most of all, he adored his wife and family. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, son, daughters, son-in-law, William Joseph Montgomery, Jr, and grandchildren: Vivianne Browning, Jacquelyn Walker Wheeler (Collin), Guyton Walker, and Alden, Brennan, and Taylor McInnis.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10:00am at Trinity Presbyterian Church and services at 11:00am. A Celebration of Life to follow at the home of The Roberts.

Interment will be held at Memory Gardens of Fairhope following funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.