Dr. J. Wayne Browder

Dr. J. Wayne Browder, 78, of Colonial Heights, VA, passed away peacefully, at home, into the arms of his Heavenly Father, on February 19, 2023. He was born on February 5, 1945, in Petersburg, VA, to the late Joe Irving Browder and Charlotte Mann Browder. In addition to his dad, Wayne was preceded in death by his sister, Jerie Lynn Williams. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Cheri Winner Browder; his mother, Charlotte Mann Browder; daughter, Suzanne Browder Davis; son, Joseph “Scott” Browder and daughter-in-law Brandi; and six beautiful grandchildren, Reagan and Nathan Davis, Chayce and Cayde Smith, and Tori and Allie Christman; a devoted cousin, Donnie Mann and wife, Marsha; other special cousins and their spouses; his uncle, Bruce Mann; special nieces, Tracie Souther and husband, Neil and Terri Amanda Owens, all of Georgia; several great-nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

Wayne grew up in Ettrick, Virginia before moving to Colonial Heights. He graduated from Colonial Heights High School in 1963. He graduated with an Associate degree from Richard Bland College in 1965. From there, he attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in June of 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Wayne went on to study at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), where he graduated in June of 1971 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and his passion for helping others and his genuine love of dentistry began.

While in dental school, Wayne served in many leadership roles. After beginning his private practice, he continued to learn as much as he possibly could by attending the L. D. Pankey Institute (1977-Present) and the Dawson Academy for Advanced Dental Studies (1979-Present). He had a strong belief and a goal to never stop learning as much as he could so that he could best serve the needs of his patients.

As he was always learning ALL that he could, he was also a teacher to many others. He taught at the MCV School of Dentistry (1990-2000) and The Pankey Institute (Teaching Assistant, 1996-2013). Wayne taught many lecture series for MCV's General Practice residents, Great Impressions Lab (“Restoring or Replicating”), J. Sargeant Reynolds Dental Tech program, The Dawson Academy (Teaching Assistant, 2005-2012) and the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry (2004-2007).

Wayne was a member of the American Dental Association (1971-Present), the Virginia Dental Association, the Southside Dental Society, Nottoway Dental Club (co-founder), Pierre-Fauchard Academy, L.D. Pankey Institute, Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics, James River Dental Study Club (2001-2002), American College of Dentists (2003), Dawson Academy Alumni Association (2008), and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (2008). He served in many capacities in these organizations.

Wayne loved his community as well and served on Colonial Heights City Council (1996-2000) and Colonial Heights School Board (1990-1996). He was School Board Chairman in 1995 and Chairman of Family Life Curriculum in 1998. He was involved with Habitat for Humanity, the Colonial Heights Children’s Theatre as a board member and with scenery construction, and the Colonial Heights Recreation Department (1978-1991) as a coach for baseball, football, and basketball. Wayne also served on the Richard Bland College Foundation as a Board Member from 1996-2000 and a member of the College of William and Mary Athletic Foundation (1982-1991).

Wayne was a part of Colonial Heights Baptist Church (now The Heights Baptist Church) since 1965. He and Cheri were married there on December 20, 1969, and they continued to worship and serve until his passing.

While we know he genuinely loved dentistry, “a hobby,” as he called it, and the happiness it gave him, he was happiest being Dad and Papa. The memories made at Disney, the Outer Banks and Lake Gaston will last a lifetime! Memory Point, our family home at Lake Gaston, will continue to be one of our favorite places to make memories! Wayne had the sweetest smile and a passion to encourage others. He had the most giving heart and lived to serve so many wonderful people in so many different corners of his life. He was radiant and humble in every possible way!

The family would like to thank Legacy Hospice for the loving care they provided to Wayne. We truly have no words to express our gratitude to his nurses Bonnie and Christy, but especially Marilyn. She made it possible for dad to stay at home, with mom, where he wanted to be! Your compassion, gentleness, and kindness will never be forgotten! We would also like to thank all those special people at The Virginia Cancer Institute, in particular Dr. Pablo Gonzalez and Dr. David Penberthy. Wayne loved and trusted you both so much!

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 2:00p.m. Both will take place at The Heights Baptist Church, 17201 Route 1, South Chesterfield, VA, 23834. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, South Prince George, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Hawthorne Cancer Center at Johnston-Willis Hospital, www.thehawthorne.org/giving , Colorectal Cancer Alliance, www.ccalliance.org/?form=donate , or The Heights Baptist Church, https://onrealm.org/TheHeights/-/form/give/now

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. ~Psalm 18:30