Retired Brigadier General Browning C. Wharton died Friday, September 26, 2014 at the age of 80. He was born March 24, 1934 in Richmond where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and studied Pre-Engineering for two years at the University of Richmond. In the spring of 1954, he entered the Air Force pilot training program. He was licensed as a pilot and commissioned August 31, 1955. He continued his education through the Air Force Institute of Technology in-residence program and graduated Magna Cum Laude, ranking first in the class of 1966 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Massachusetts. He was a distinguished graduate of the Air War College, and received his graduate degree in Management from Auburn University in 1976. During his thirty year Air Force career he had twenty-one permanent assignments serving in every world theater and in every Air Force operational command except Air Defense. His positions included Commander, 38th Tactical Airlift Squadron, Langley AFB, VA, Commander 374th Tactical Airlift Wing, Clark Field Philippines, Commander 834th Air Division, Hickham AB, Hawaii, and Deputy Vice Chief of Staff, Operations, Military Airlift Command, Scott AFB, IL. He retired as Vice Commander, 22nd Air Force, Travis AFB, CA in 1984. During his military career, he accumulated over 6500 flying hours in multi-engine aircraft including the B-29, KC-97, B-52, KC135, C-13, C-141 and C-5 aircraft. He flew over 700 hours in Viet Nam in C-130s. After his Air Force career General Wharton returned to his home in Poquoson, and was employed as the Administrative Manager for Morgan-Marrow Company in Hampton. During his twelve years with Morgan-Marrow he was actively involved in numerous civic organizations. He was the past President of the State Gemini Automation Association, past Chairman of the Management Committee for the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia, past Chairman of the Board for Junior Achievement for Greater Hampton Roads Assembly. After a bout with cancer, he was the past Chairman, Community Affairs for Poquoson Kiwanis Club, past Chairman, James River Country Club Golf Committee, and member of the James River Country Club Board of Directors. At his death he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Daedalians, the Retired Officers Association, and the Poquoson Kiwanis Club where he had received the George F. Hixson Fellowship Award. He was preceded in death by his Father, Browning C. Wharton, his Mother Edna B. Wharton, his sister, Jean W. Miller, and his first wife of 38 years, Myrtle S. Wharton, all originally of Richmond. His survivors include his devoted wife of 20 years, Sherry P. Wharton of Poquoson, his son Browning S. Wharton of Florida, his daughter, Valerie W. Todd (Steve) of Hampton, step-son William R. Brosius (Carrie) of Cleveland, step-daughter, Catherine Brosius (Ed) of Yorktown, granddaughters, Alexis Wharton and Ashley Hesselbach; grandsons, Charles, Jack, Jacob and Jace Brosius, Tyler Todd, Auston Tillman; sister-in-law, Janet Brosius (Steve) and niece, Rachel Brosius of Poquoson. General Wharton was a third generation member of Boulevard Methodist Church in Richmond, and himself a member for over 65 years. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Richmond with Rev. Michael Condrey officiating. Interment will full military honors will follow. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of memorial contributions to the American Lung Association, the American Heart Fund, or the American Cancer Society. His last request was to thank his loving wife, Sherry for her assistance during his life and just prior to his death.