Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 23, 2021

Kenneth Gerald Browder passed away at home on June 23, 2021. Ken was born January 8, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Preston and Alice Browder. He attended Kenmore High School. The family moved to Charlotte in 1943 and Ken graduated from old Central High School, class of 1944. He entered the service immediately after high school and served in the US Army defending the island of Manhattan at the end of WWII.

He married Patricia Duncan in 1947 and they were blessed with 3 children. Pat died in 1977.

After discharge from the Army, he worked with his father at Southern Display and later became President of his own company, Browder Displays, Inc. With the help of over 50 employees, he built his company into one of the leading convention contractors in the Southeast. Ken retired in 1999 but was known to work up until age 80 when needed.

In 2001, Ken was fortunate to find love again and married Faye Haynes. They were anticipating their 20^th anniversary this month.

At one time, Ken held the state high jump record, but only briefly, as his record was beaten by the very next jumper. He loved playing tennis, transitioning into golf as he got older. Ken was a long-time member of Carmel Country Club and an avid golfer until the age of 91. He enjoyed his Saturday rounds with daughter, Ann and her husband, Mike, with whom he gambled prodigiously at a dime a point.

Ken lived life fully for 94 years and was often seen walking with Faye through the neighborhood. He loved beach trips with family, playing Bocce Ball, reading spy thrillers, dancing, traveling with Faye and friends, and Happy Hour with gin and tonics and pretzels.

Ken was preceded in death by siblings Ed Browder, Jay Browder, Al Browder, and Janet Lofland. He is survived by his three children, Ken Browder (Nina), Ann Leonard (Mike), and Duncan Browder (Melanie); six grandchildren, Matt, Scott, Kathy, Julie, John, and Claire; four great-grandchildren who affectionately called him GG.  He is also survived by his brother, Bill Browder of Carrollton, GA and many nieces and nephews, and Faye’s children, Mary Ackermann (Walt) and Eric Haynes (Anna) and their five children.

The family would like to thank friends and extended family who visited and cared for our father the last few months. A special thanks goes to his caregivers from Carepoint and to his dear neighbor for the gift of his time and assistance.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 27^th, at 3:00pm at Myers Park United Methodist Church. Visitation will be on the lawn following the service. Burial will be private.

You can join us virtually at www.livestream.com/MPUMC/funerallivestream.com/MPUMC/funeral.

Memorials may be sent to Community Home Care & Hospice, 156 Corporate Blvd., Indian Trail, NC 28079 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.