Hillie Edmond Browne, Jr. Obituary (1944 - 2017)

Hillie Edmond Browne, Jr. was born on August 7, 1944 in Richmond, Virginia to the Late Hillie E. Browne, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Staggers Browne. He was one of three children and grew up in Richmond's West End. He was educated in the Richmond Public School System. Accepting Christ at an early age, Hillie joined Bethany Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He served faithfully and was later ordained as a Deacon by Bethany Baptist. Hillie later joined his family church, Second Baptist in the West End. Subsequently, he was a long-standing, devoted member of the Saint Paul's Baptist Church. Hillie married the love of his life, Cheryl Paulette Lewis and they were blessed with one child, Kimberly Ann Browne. He was a devoted husband and father and his greatest joy was his family. They shared a lasting love for over 50 years. Early in his employment, he began working with his father, Hillie Sr., as a contractor. Next, he went on to Aero Industries, where under the apprenticeship of Arnell R. Powell, Sr., he became a master painter of aircraft. Later, he obtained his Commercial Driver's License and began driving tractor-trailers with Estes Freight Carriers. He went on to drive cross-country with Pilot Freight Carriers for over 20 years. He retired from Chambers-Waste Management, after 12 years of service. Hillie's entrepreneurial spirit led him to various endeavors, such as Car-Go Express, an auto carrier business and Love Creations, where he designed custom-made jewelry. His benevolence inspired him to create and deliver custom jewelry to the parents of the Virginia Tech Shooting victims. Most recently, he established EZ Foot, where he customized walking canes with "little feet" and shoes. In past years, Hillie also developed a healthy clientele for his custom work in auto body and painting detail. He was an auto-enthusiast, loved drag racing and Chevrolets. As a young man, he belonged to the Heavy Chevy Car Club. He was a music buff and in younger days, he sang with a local quartet. Hillie was predeceased by his father, Hillie E. Browne, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory: devoted wife, Cheryl L. Browne, daughter, Kimberly A. Browne, mother, Mary Evelyn Browne, sister, Patricia A. Browne, brother, Arnold S. Browne (Charlene), god-sister, Laurita Harris-Portee (Ralph), honorary son, Carl A "Tony" Goode, sisters-in-law, Sheila C. Price, Yolanda R. Powell and Rev. Barbara P. Nollie; brothers-in-law, Bruce L. Powell (Wanda) and Hakeem Powell (Brenda); devoted nieces, nephews, cousins - among them Frank Staggers, and a host of other relatives, extended family and beloved friends. Hillie was a fun-loving person, who was a friend to all. He enjoyed life and LOVED TO TALK! He leaves behind a legacy of love and will forever be remembered in our family and by all he touched. "Gone, but never forgotten!"