David Benjamin Browning Jr.

11/25/1935 - 08/17/2025

David Benjaminn Browning Jr., 89, decorated combat veteran, died peacefully on August 17, 2025, at home in Alexandria, Virginia, with his loving wife of 46 years, Miriam, by his side.

Known to family and friends as Ben, Colonel Browning was from North Carolina, born in Rocky Mount and raised in Edenton. He was a distinguished ROTC graduate from North Carolina State University and a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and the Pennsylvania State University Executive Program.

Colonel Browning's first military assignment was as a platoon leader in the 2nd Battle Group, 6th US Infantry, West Berlin Germany, 1959-1961, during the time when the Berlin Wall was built. Major military assignments included Vietnam (twice); US Army Headquarters Europe; Forts Benning, Holabird, Jackson, and Lee; the Middle East; and the Pentagon (Office of the Army Inspector General and Office of the Army Chief of Staff). His final tour at Fort McPherson GA was as Comptroller for the re-activated Third US Army, General Patton's Army. Third Army would bring the Patton Army survivors to Atlanta annually for quite jovial commemorations.

Colonel Browning received numerous military awards: the Army Occupation Medal (Berlin), four Vietnam Service and Combat Medals, two Bronze Star Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, the Army General Staff Identification Badge, and the Legion of Merit.

Ben was raised to Master Mason in 2005 in Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120, A.F.& A.M., Alexandria VA, where he served as Worshipful Master in 2011. He was selected as the Alexandria District Deputy Grand Master in 2013. Ben was a life member of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, Henry Knox Field-John Blair Lodge No. 349, and the Douglas Smith Jr. Research Lodge No. 1949. He was a Scottish Rite and Royal Arch Mason and a highly valued Brother.

Ben was strong, respected, and generous of character. He was a man of integrity and always a gracious gentleman, serving as a friend and mentor to his many colleagues and neighbors. Ben, being a delightful conversationalist and man of action, enriched the lives of all he knew through his advice, humor, and generosity.

Private family memorial services will be held in early fall 2025. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Colonel Browning is survived by his beloved wife, Miriam, his sister Mary-Leggett Browning, his niece, Anne Browning Redfield, and other cherished family members.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association or a charity of your choice.