William D. Browning, a Tucson native who spent more than 20 years as a U.S. District Court judge, died Tuesday. He was 76.
Browning, a graduate of the University of Arizona's law school, was a trial attorney when he was appointed to the federal bench in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. Although he achieved senior status in May 1998, he maintained a heavy caseload until illness led him to step down from the bench two years ago.
"He was the smartest and neatest guy I ever knew — and the funniest, too," said Tom Slutes, who met Browning in law school in 1957 and later shared a practice with him.
Browning was also known for his common sense and his patience, Slutes said, adding, "He made everyone feel as though they were being listened to and considered."
Browning's eldest child, Pima County Superior Court Judge Christopher Browning, said his father saw the appointment to the bench as an opportunity to serve the country.
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William Browning was perhaps best known as the judge who presided over the Washington Public Power Supply System nuclear project case. The project was supposed to build a network of nuclear power plants throughout Washington state but instead defaulted on $2.25 billion worth of bonds.
Outside the courthouse, Browning enjoyed UA basketball and football games, playing cards and working in his vegetable garden, Christopher Browning said.
Up until the time he took the bench, the U.S. Air Force veteran also loved to fly his own planes, Browning said. "He really had a diverse group of interests and friends," Browning said. "He was just as likely to be at dinner with a law professor as a rancher."
In addition to Christopher, Browning is survived by his wife, Zerilda Sinclair Brown-ing; his other children, Benjamin Browning, Courtenay Butler and Logan Ames; and seven grandchildren between ages 5 and 22.
His father had asked that no services be held, Christopher Browning said.
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