Obituaries: October 29, 2013

Marian Adolene Browning, 92, of Vero Beach, FL passed away on October 25, 2013 at Indian River Medical Center. She was born in Bradford, PA, and was raised in Binghamton, NY. She had been a resident of Vero Beach since 1991, coming from Syracuse, NY where she retired from Allied Chemical in 1984. Mrs. Browning was a communicant of St. Helen Catholic Church where she served 18 years as an usher at the Saturday 4:00 pm, Vigil Mass. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Edward W. Browning; daughter, Bonita Bell Coulson of Vero Beach and her loving companion dog, Zach. Marian will be forever missed by many loving friends. The Browning family would like to thank the staff of IRMC 4 South and the Infusion Center, along with, Dr. Dennis Saver, Dr. Noor Merchant, Dr. William Laswell, Dr. Edward Branigan and Dr. William McCormack who took such good care of her over the years. It was Marian’s wishes that there will be no services but that her friends spend those precious hours with loved ones, in activity that brings a smile. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Indian River County Medical Society Foundation, to support free healthcare to medically indigent residents of Indian River County through the WE Care program, PO Box 573, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, PO Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com

Minnie Bray, 90, of Winter Beach, passed away on October 26, 2013 at her home. Mrs. Bray was born February 13, 1923 in Winter Beach to Grover and Eula Mae McCloud. She had been a lifetime resident. She attended Faith Ministries International. Survivors include her children, Cindy (Rick) Newton of Elizabethtown, KY; Mike (Linda) Bray of Grand Bay, AL; Janice (Gary) Wallin of Rising Fawn, GA; Carol (Jack) McCullers of Vero Beach; Jonna (Chris) Konow of Cookville, TN; Joel Bray of Vero Beach; and Mary (Mike) Wilson of Vero Beach; sister, Diane Halub of Mobile, AL; 20 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Minnie was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Jasper Lee Bray; grandson, Jeremiah Bray; parents, Grover and Eula Mae; sister, Thelma Austin and brother, Ernest McCloud. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at 4580 69th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shining Light Garden at 5865 33rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32967. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. Online condolences may be sent at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

USN Ret. Chief James “Patches” Dennis Watson, III, 76, of Vero Beach, FL passed away on October 26, 2013 at Indian River Medical Center. He was born March 9, 1937 in Jersey City, NJ and had been a resident of Vero Beach for over 10 years, coming from Columbus, IN. Mr. Watson retired from the United States Navy where he served as a Navy Seal and was the original plank owner of SEAL Team 2. He was a member of the American Legion Post #39, Vero Beach and also served as a Mason and Shriner. Mr. Watson was the former Curator Emeritus of the UDT Seal Museum in Ft. Pierce and was the author of numerous books including “Point Man” and “Walking Point”. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda McDonald Watson; children, James Dennis, IV, wife, Jeanette of Fredericksburg, VA, Angel Atkins, husband, Wayne of Park Ridge, NJ, Pat Parte, husband Bob of Goodview, VA, Jean Swayze, husband, LaRue of Margate, FL, and Samantha Armstrong, husband, David of Staunton, VA; step-children that he loved like his own, Jera, Jeff, Gina, Dan, Jeannie, Jonne, Tracy and Nicky; brother, Robert, wife, Pat of Jasper, FL; sister, Joyce Massie, husband, Michael of Highland, CA; 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Bud and Ann; son, Joey and great-granddaughter, Taylor Ann. A Celebration of Life will be held after the Seal Team muster demonstration on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Little Jim Bridge Park, Ft. Pierce. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jera Payton for the ongoing care of Linda Watson, 2546 Granada Ave Apt B, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or to the UDT Navy Seal Museum, www.navysealmuseum.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guest book may be signed at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.