Robert Bryan Browning

PALMETTO, Ga. - Robert Bryan Browning, 63, of Palmetto, April 11, 1961 - Jan. 7, 2025, loving father, husband, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by his loving family in his home in Palmetto.

He was born to Barney Kirby and Ethel Carmen (née Smith) Browning in Benton. He was married to Leslie Goldman on June 22, 1991, and remained close friends with her after they divorced in 2012. He married long-time partner Teresa Rivers on Dec. 20, 2024.

Bryan was the first of two children born to his parents, joined by his younger sister Lisa.

At a young age, his father bought him his first minibike, which developed into a lifelong love for riding, and later racing motorcycles, and many of Bryan's closest friendships developed with his riding buddies. An excellent mechanic, he enjoyed fixing not only motorcycles but also cars.

Bryan also had a lifelong love of music. He began playing guitar while in elementary school, and continued playing throughout his life, playing in bands with friends in Benton and Tyrone, and later with his children in their Palmetto home.

He attended Southern Illinois University from 1979 to 1983, and entered the United States Air Force as an officer upon graduating. After completing pilot training, he served as a KC-135 pilot before being honorably discharged in 1990. He then moved into his second career flying for Delta Air Lines, where he worked for 34 years, finishing his career in 2024 as a captain on the Boeing 737.

He met Leslie Goldman in Shreveport, Louisiana, while in the Air Force. The two married on June 22, 1991, and moved to Tyrone, in 1992, where he resided until their divorce in 2012. They had two sons together, Matthew, born July 1, 1998, who has followed in his father's footsteps as a pilot for United Airlines, and William, born April 7, 2001, who is currently attending law school.

Bryan moved to Palmetto in 2013, where he resided until his death. He loved working on his house and land, and was always taking on new projects. In 2013, he met Teresa Rivers, his longtime partner who he ultimately married in 2024.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents in 2022. In addition to his sons, Matthew and William, he is survived by his wife Teresa Rivers, sister Lisa Browning, and niece Elissa and nephew Brandtlee Brown.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 from at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, 410 S Main St, Benton, IL 62812. The funeral will also be held at Morton & Johnston at 1 p.m. Monday Jan. 13 followed by a burial service at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, 12740 Oddfellow Ln, Benton, Illinois 62812. Military rites will be observed.

For more information or to send online condolences, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.