Robert Harry (Bob) Browning

Robert Harry (Bob) Browning, 56, died Monday, July 20 from a stroke at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Bob was fiercely loyal to his many friends. Everyone who knew him loved him, and his effect on people's lives was subtle and profound. He was known for his love of books, his intelligence and whimsical imagination, his engaging conversation, his genuine concern for others, and his admirable character. Bob and his twin brother, Bill were born in Hope, Arkansas, on July 13, 1959 to Clyde and Jane Browning. He graduated from Hope High School in 1977, where he was the Yearbook Editor. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and was named the Bob Riley Outstanding Graduate in Political Science. He did graduate work at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Bob was a lifelong bookseller and managed the B. Dalton Booksellers in the Northwest Arkansas Mall and worked for the Supply Department at the University of Arkansas Bookstore. He was digital lead at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Rogers. Bob volunteered with the March of Dimes, Vanguard, Habitat for Humanity, and Christmas in October in Kansas City. He was an avid soccer fan and writer, and loved hiking and traveling with friends. His defining characteristic was an enduring love of books. He kept a list of every book he read since college, and was reading book number 1,906 when he died. While his interests ranged from science fiction, fantasy, the classics, modern novels and history, he particularly loved Tolkien. Bob's philosophy was simple: work hard, take responsibility; support those around you; and read. The family requests that as an appropriate memorial, friends donate a book to a charity or individual. He is survived by his sister, Mary and husband Kraig McCluskey of Prairie Grove, brother, Bill Browning of Fayetteville, brother, Dr. James Browning and wife Carol of Pikeville, Kentucky, nephews, Jim Rowland and wife Laura of Rogers, Geoffrey Browning and wife Lisa of Columbia, South Carolina, and Thomas Browning of Pikeville, Kentucky. He is also survived by his cousin, Shirley Moody-Tarasewicz of North Little Rock, his cousin, Ellen Turner and husband Tom McClure of Rogers; and aunt, Mary Nell Turner of Rogers. Second cousins include Elizabeth Purvis of Washington, D.C., Dr. Benjamin Purvis of Hindsville, Dr. Emily Neaville of Cincinnati, and Paul Neaville of Washington, D.C. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 4 at 1 p.m., in the Parish Hall at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Avenue in Fayetteville. A reception will follow the memorial. The family requests that attendees bring a book to the service for donation. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.