George Browning, a 1953 graduate of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and long-time supporter of the college, passed away on July 11, at the age of 92.
George and his late wife, Jeannine, were married for 67 years and were passionate about their faith, family, pharmacy, and cheering on the Florida Gators. The couple settled and raised their four children in Melbourne, Florida, and worshipped regularly at First United Methodist Church. George served as a youth counselor, taught Sunday school, and worked as a trustee, among many roles in the church.
George practiced pharmacy most of his career, opening Browning’s Pharmacy and Health Care in 1962. The business has been a pillar of the Melbourne community for more than six decades and is now owned by his daughter, Colleen, and her husband, Jim. George was a long-standing member of the Florida Pharmacy Association, or FPA, and twice served as president. Many of his closest friends were fellow pharmacy owners and active members of FPA.
The Brownings were avid fans of the Florida Gators, frequently attending sporting events in Gainesville. They were generous benefactors to the university, particularly the UF College of Pharmacy. Their contributions aided the construction of the Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy Building, and they played a key role in establishing programs that fostered clinical innovation and entrepreneurship. Their support enabled the college to host the inaugural Pharmacy Ownership Forum in August 2023, introducing students to independent pharmacy ownership. The biennial forum will honor the Brownings’ legacy by educating new pharmacists about ownership opportunities.
George is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his brother.