George Browder

George Alexander Graham Browder, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away Sunday, December 9, 2007. George was born in Warsaw, NC on March 3,1921 to the late Robert Milton and Virginia Boyette Browder. He spent most of his adult career and retirement in Rockingham. He graduated from high school in Wallace, NC. During World War II, he enlisted in the U. S. Army as a paratrooper serving valiantly in combat from 1942 until late 1945 in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan, earning Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals for his heroism. He remained a member of the 11th Airborne Division Association and the Order of the Purple Heart, and attended annually the 11th Airborne Reunion. He took great pride in his military service as a decorated veteran and even authored a book , “The Road to Tokyo and Back” for his family chronicling his wartime memories. George’s textile career began with Carter Fabrics in South Boston, VA in 1945, which was later bought by J. P. Stevens. He moved to Rockingham in 1948 to work at Hannah Pickett. Through numerous manufacturing innovations and strong leadership skills, he became plant manager, and eventually manager of the Hannah Pickett and Martha Baum plants in Rockingham. In 1979, he was appointed president of Stevens Beechcraft, headquartered in Greer, SC, a position from which he retired in 1986. His retirement years were devoted to his artistic skills, tending to his farm and lake house, and traveling with Ethel in their RV. A strong devotion to family began sixty-one years ago with George’s marriage to Ethel Mallard Farrior on March 23, 1946. He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel, and his three sons, George A. G. ‘Sandy’ Browder, Jr. and wife Susan of Winston Salem, David S. Browder and wife Donna of Rockingham, and Robert ‘Bob’ M. Browder and wife Meg of Pace, FL. He was always delighted with and proud of his grandchildren, Katherine ‘Katie’ E. Browder, Sarah C. Browder, Benjamin ‘Ben’ A. Browder, Isaiah Browder, Jeremy Browder, and Robert Joseph ‘Jay’ Browder. George is survived by a sister, Virginia ‘Ginny’ B. Lantis and was preceded in death by his parents and three older brothers, Robert, Bill, and Gene Browder. A man of strong faith and a community activist, George was a pillar of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Rockingham, serving several times on the Vestry. He was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the Boy Scouts, earning the Silver Beaver award for service. He was a tireless advocate for the Richmond Community Theatre and helped in fund raising for recreational programs for the City of Rockingham, efforts for which a complex on Rockingham Road was named George Browder Park. A celebration to the Glory of God in loving memory and in thanksgiving of George Browder’s life will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 202 Lawrence St., Rockingham at 2:00 pm, Friday, December 14th with Rev. Bill McInnis officiating. Interment will follow in Eastside cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Church of the Messiah, PO Box 1313, Rockingham, NC 28379.