William "Bill" Jerome Browne

William Jerome Browne III, age 78, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 30, 2026, in Dallas holding the hand of his daughter, Elizabeth Browne Cornelius. He leaves behind a legacy of service, Christian faith and love.

He was born July 15, 1947, in Wadena, Minnesota, to William Jerome Browne II and Vera Ann Kopp. From a young age, Bill exemplified maturity and dependability. The oldest of seven siblings, he swept floors at his father’s dairy bar, biked a newspaper route in middle school, and was class president in high school.

Learning, teaching, and helping others were always top priorities for Bill, while living out his Catholic faith. He graduated from Cotter Catholic High School in Winona, Minnesota, and double-majored in Spanish and French at St. Mary’s University there.

After college, Bill was drafted by the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry infantry. Stationed in Bien Hoa, Vietnam, he investigated heroic infantry deeds to determine appropriate award recognition.

Upon returning home, he earned his first master’s degree in English as a Foreign Language from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He then began his teaching career as an ESL lecturer with the Traffic Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois., which ultimately led to Bill’s interest in law enforcement and a change of careers. He and his wife, Judy Carol Irving, made Texas home, and Bill entered the Police Academy in Garland.

During his almost 30-year tenure with the Garland Police Department from 1980 to 2010, Bill served as Patrol Lieutenant, Field Training Officer and Academy Instructor. An equally attentive listener as he was a talker,, he developed a passion for hostage negotiations, significantly strengthening the SWAT team program and training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Bill dutifully served as president of both the Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators and the National Association of Hostage Negotiators. He earned respect from his peers due to his professionalism, calm demeanor, attention to detail and genuine compassion for all. He found police work incredibly rewarding and cherished his time protecting the Garland community.

His lifetime love for learning continued; while working as a police officer, he went on to earn a master's degree in human relations and business from Amberton University.

Both an avid reader and a fan of classic rock and Texas country music, Bill amassed an impressive library of books, records, and concert tickets. Basketball remained his favorite sport throughout his life. He played three years in college, coached the St. Mary’s College JV team his senior year, and as an adult, enjoyed playing in a men’s city league and coaching his daughter’s middle school team. He always lived by his personal mantra: "Never miss a layup or free throw!"

In the 1980s and 1990s, Bill was an active volunteer with Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Garland, Texas, and served on the national board for Christian Family Movement. Later in life, he was a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dallas.

His favorites vacation spots included the Browne family cottage on the Mississippi River in Winona, time up north on the Minnesota lakes, and the white sandy beaches of the Florida Panhandle.

Moments with his family were the most important thing to Bill. Spending time with his daughter, son-in-law and three grandkids was his absolute greatest joy. “Gramps” made it clear that he wanted to spend time in retirement with his grandchildren. He enthusiastically said “yes” to every babysitting ask and that time together usually ended up at the sno-cone stand or ice cream shop. He always had an activity planned for the kids – exploring a new park, the drive to check the P.O. box, raking the leaves – precious moments. “Nanny Bill” was his grandkids’ biggest cheerleader at school and sporting events, and his friendship circle grew as a result.

He kept the U.S. Postal Service in business for years, regularly mailing cut-out newspaper articles, comic strips, handwritten letters, cards and photos. He is remembered as an incredibly thoughtful soul.

He earned endearing nicknames throughout all chapter of his life – Willy, Sticks, Brownie, Warbs, Old Man Browne, Nanny Bill, Papa Bill and Pops – a sign he was admired and well loved. He will be greatly missed by his giant fan club.

Romans 12:12 was one of his favorite scriptures. “Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer.”

Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and Vera, infant son George Thomas Browne, siblings Timothy and Thomas Browne, and nieces Angela and Alexandra Browne. Bill is survived by his devoted daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law Todd Cornelius, and grandchildren Calla, King and Gemma; siblings Patricia Greenless (Mike), Margaret Sveum, Robert Browne (Carol) and Peter Browne; numerous nieces, nephews and friends, who he loved dearly; and his former wife Judy.

The family would like to thank Bill’s wonderful caregiver Dorothy Rochelle Levine and the incredible skilled nursing team at The Plaza at Edgemere, who made the past ten months much brighter.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 6, from 6 to 8 pm at Williams Funeral Directors in Garland, Texas, with a rosary at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 7, at 11:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas, with Interment February 16 at 2 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Winona, Minnesota. In lieu of followers, please consider donations made in his name to Catholic Charities of Dallas.