William Wade Browning

William ‘Billy’ Wade Browning, 73, of London, Ohio left us on November 2, 2025. Billy was born on May 10, 1952 to William Wade Browning and Eileen Browning Ackley in London. 

Billy graduated from London High School in 1970, and was known as an avid gymnast and a member of the gymnastic team, where his stunts are still somewhat legendary. After graduating he briefly moved to Florida and continued working building construction with his dad. He then served our country with the US Army and was stationed overseas in Germany. 

On July 23, 1977, Billy married the love of his life, his lobster, Mary Jo Hackett who survives. Billy and Mary Jo went on to have two children, Adam and Noah. Billy continued to work construction until he started working at the Madison County Engineer Office and became a liscened public land surveyor. During this time, Billy along with many family and friends, built a forever home for Mary Jo, their children and eventually grandchildren. After running his own surveying business for most of his adult life, Billy retired and spent his time teaching his grandkids how to fish, hiking and exploring the natural wonders of the US, and traveling to his favorite places with his favorite person, Mary Jo. Billy was an avid London Red Raider and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Billy will always be remembered for his (hilarious) questionably appropriate jokes, for being the best Dad (to many, not just his own) and Pops anyone could ever ask for, and for the best smiling eyes anyone has ever seen. 

Billy was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Jo, sons Adam (Rebecca) and Noah (Emily), his beloved grandchildren Will, Brooklyn, Wes, and Willa, brother Steve “Bomber” Browning (Celia), and countless in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved like family. 

Calling hours at Lynch Family Funeral Home in London on Wednesday Nov 5 from 4-7. Services will be held at same location on Nov 6 at 11 am with stories, food, and fellowship to follow at Hackett’s Pond. All who knew and loved him are welcome to join. 

If you would like to make a Memorial contribution in Billy’s name, the family’s requests they be made to support our National Parks.