Forgiving, loving, sharing, devoted, charismatic
Walter C. Browning, or Chad, was a deeply religious man who firmly believed in the power of prayer. His mother, Terri, describes him as “A larger-than-life soul. He brought love, laughter, and life into any room he entered.”
Chad, who stood at 6’5″, presented himself as a tough guy, but his loved ones affectionately referred to him as a gentle giant. He was passionate about his faith and enjoyed going to church, cooking out, camping, NASCAR racing, and college football—particularly Auburn. He loved yelling “War Eagle!” his mom recalls.
Chad was a huge part of his family’s life, especially his sister, Leann–whom he called LeLe. Despite the usual sibling rivalry between the two, he always made it known that no one messes with his little sister. Terri witnessed their mutual love and pride for each other when they spoke of one another. Chad was also close to his dad, Walter, and loved going to tractor pulls with him. Chad was a father as well. With Jennifer, the “love of his life,” he had two children, Eve, and Jaycee. He loved going to the park, beach trips, water rafting, and playing in the park with them.
Even when battling his disease, Chad had a passion for recovery and dedicated much of his time and energy to the cause. He dreamt of starting a recovery ministry and becoming a counselor.
One particular encounter demonstrated Chad’s dedication to recovery. During a meeting, Chad witnessed a young man ride up on a bike. The man asked if someone could drive him to a rehab facility in Huntsville, Alabama. When no one volunteered, Chad stepped up and offered to take him. After Chad’s passing, the young man returned to the same meeting and proudly announced his four-year sobriety, crediting the man who had given him a ride several years earlier.
Ultimately, Chad’s 25-year battle with substance use disorder (SUD) had a tragic effect on his life. His mother recalls that “it made him feel unloved and unwanted…undeserving of anything good or any happiness in his life.” She watched the disease destroy her son’s life and constantly lived with the dread that one day she would get a phone call telling her that her son was dead.
Chad’s mother was irrevocably changed by her son’s struggles. Terri says she has learned new forgiveness, and the experience taught her not to stigmatize those battling SUD. She now actively advocates for those seeking treatment and hopes that if her voice can reach just one person, then her son did not die in vain.
Describing Chad’s battle with substance use disorder, Terri says, “He lived his life walking on ice-covered steps. He had many slips and many falls, but each time he would scratch and dig and try to get to that top step again-he never gave up.”
Chad’s mother, Terri Riddle, provided the information for this narrative.
August 13, 1978-October 11, 2021-Age 43
Portrait Artist: Theresa Clower
Narrative Writer: Justin Robertson
