Donald LaFayette Browning, Jr., 61, a beloved brother, son and friend, died on May 8, 2009, of a heart attack. A Certified Executive Chef and garden railroad enthusiast, he was born on February 28, 1948, in Johnson City, TN. Don earned spending money as a youth by baking and selling chocolate cakes to neighbors. At 14, he won a national cooking contest and was entertained by then Vice-President Lyndon Johnson’s wife, Lady Bird. Fascinated with his desire to become a chef, she used her influence to help him gain admittance to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel’s prestigious chef training program in New York. At the time, the program admitted only six students to a two-year program. Using this education as a springboard, he had an illustrious career as Executive Chef at some of Atlanta’s top hotels, restaurants and country clubs. During his career he met and prepared food for two presidents, the Duke of Windsor and numerous celebrities and political figures. He also was known for his beautiful, award-winning pastries and many brides have proudly served his delicious and beautiful wedding cakes. While working full time, he completed his college degree, earning a double BBA in Accounting and Business Management from Mercer University. Desiring a quieter lifestyle, Don moved to Dalton, GA, where he has won much acclaim as Executive Chef for the Filling Station, one of the city’s premier restaurants. Don was rich with the love and respect of his family and friends earned through hard work, honesty and love of God. He enthusiastically threw himself into every endeavor he undertook. Next to creating with food, he enjoyed designing garden train layouts and hand building detailed LGB engines and train cars, which are highly prized by collectors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald LaFayette Browning, Sr. and Alice Virginia Jones Browning. He is survived by sisters, Donna and Alice Kay Browning, and brothers, David W. and Robert L. Browning, as well as extended family members, Sara and Joe Williamson. He will be greatly missed and now rests awaiting the resurrection and return of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you honor Don’s memory by sending flowers to someone who normally would not receive them, but would enjoy the love. A graveside service, arranged by A. S. Turner & Sons, of Decatur, GA, is planned for Wednesday, May 13 at 1:30 at Westview Cemetery.
