Bernard Browning

S BROWNING

Bernard S Browning, a pioneer in small business consulting, former Chairman of the International Franchise Association, National Small Business Association, and National Advisory Council to the Small Business Administration, honoree of the Franchising Hall of Fame, Rear Admiral in the Naval Reserves, and Distinguished Alumnus of the Navy Supply Corps, died on March 22, 2005 of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.

After Pearl Harbor, Browning enlisted in the Navy, serving during World War II as a commissioned officer in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. Over 28 years of active and reserve duty, he rose through the ranks to become a Rear Admiral. In 2004 he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the Navy Supply Corps.

An advocate for small business and franchising, in 1962 Browning founded General Business Services, Inc., introducing a new concept of business counseling on a mass basis. The company became the largest such firm in the nation with 1,100 franchises. In 1983 he was inducted into the Franchising Hall of Fame as an innovator in service franchising.

Browning was twice elected Chairman of the National Small Business Association. He served as Chairman of the International Franchise Association and of the National Advisory Council to the Small Business Administration. During his tenure, he became the first chairman to receive the SBA's Meritorious Service Award.

A resident of Washington, D.C. and Maryland for over half a century, Browning is survived by his wife of 49 years, Adeline Townsend Rogers; his sister, Peggy Browning Meyn; his four children, and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at North Bethesda United Methodist Church on Monday, July 11, followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Information regarding services and memorial donations may be obtained by contacting (888) 317-5743 or www.peek-a-book.com/memorial.

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