Bob Browning came out of retirement for the fourth time to serve as superintendent of Panola Charter Schools in 2018. (Stella Wieser/Panola Watchman)

Described as a man who enjoyed fishing, gambling, reading and extra sweet desserts, the longtime public educator and former superintendent Bob Browning has died at 80.

Browning led several school districts in the area, including Tyler and Waskom ISDs.

Browning, a father and grandfather, as well as public educator who was voted Teacher of the Year in his 70s, died on April 9 due to complications related to diabetes.

A memorial service for Browning will be held on Friday, April 19, at 11 a.m. at the Cypress Valley Bible Church located at 4190 W. Pinecrest Drive in Marshall. The public is invited to attend the service.

“He was a true scholar and loved sharing history with his grandsons,” read Browning’s obituary following his death.

Browning was born on Oct. 26, 1942 to parents Elmer and Beatrice Browning. He was a twin to his sister Bonnie Sue and younger brother to Gene Browning. He grew up in Leesville, Louisiana, before they moved to Shreveport. Browning began college at 17, where he met and married Christine Davis where they worked towards their degrees in Education. They were married for 27 years and raised two daughters, Macy and Amy together.

Browning’s professional career in public education brought him to several districts throughout Texas. He served as principal in Laneville, Duncanville, and Desoto ISD, before becoming superintendent for the Tyler, Elysian Fields, Waxahachie and Hallsville districts. He served as interim superintendent at Waskom ISD as well. Browning became a professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, before retiring to move back to the Marshall area.

Browning came out of retirement in 2018 to serve as the superintendent of the Panola County Charter Schools system. When he joined the position, he commented on how the position marked his fourth time coming out of retirement.

“I admire their commitment and dedication to youth, and for the fourth and final time I’ve come out of retirement to lend whatever contributions I can make to moving our schools forward,” remarked Browning in 2018.

Following his death, several schools expressed their condolences and gratitude for Browning’s service to public education.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of former EFISD Superintendent Mr. Bob Browning this morning,” read Elysian Fields ISD’s social media post. “Mr. Browning led our district and our community faithfully for 13 years as superintendent before retiring in 2011. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. He will be missed.”

“Mr. Browning also served as an interim superintendent in Waskom ISD. Condolences to Amy Browning Dickson, her family, and friends of Mr. Browning during this time,” read Waskom ISD’s social media post. “He will be missed!”

Browning’s daughter Amy would follow in her father’s footsteps in a 30-year career in public education, serving as superintendent of Karnack ISD for seven years before her retirement in 2023. Both of Browning’s daughters, Amy and Macy, informed the community of his death on social media after a four-day stay in the hospital.

“From the first consult with the doctor on Friday, to today’s final draft of his obituary, to all of the myriad of decisions big and small since and yet to come, we have been lock step, simpatico, and united in our desire to make the best decisions for our dad’s care, as well as orchestrate his final wishes to the best of our ability,” read a social media post by Macy Browning Lane.

“We miss our dad,” continued the post.

Browning would eventually divorce Christine and enter several relationships until he met Sheri Snyder, forming what was described as a deep love and special friendship. Snyder would remain with Browning until he died. His obituary stated that he took great pleasure in bragging about his grandchildren, three sons-in law, and his daughters, just not to their face.

Browning is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother and sister. He is survived by his daughters, Macy Lane, Richard and their five kids: Ellis, Henry, Davis Kauffman (father, Chris Kauffman), Mason and Easy Lane. Also, his daughter Amy Dickson, Johnny, their children: Hayleigh and husband Clint Morris, Jake and Cabe Dickson, Jeb and wife Cheyenne Dickson, Grant Dickson and his three great grandchildren: Maci, Lenny, and Cash Morris. He is also survived by Snyder, and her family and grandchildren whom he loved.

“We hope you remember Bob anytime you hear the cha-ching of a slot machine, see good things happening in public education, or catch and fry some good fish from Caddo Lake,” read Browning’s obituary.