Freddie Austin Browder

Freddie Austin Browder, age 80, passed from this earthly life to eternal life Monday, October 16, 2023. He passed peacefully into the presence of our Lord surrounded by his loving wife, Llewellyn Browder, and his beloved brothers, Rick and Wade Browder.

Freddie was born on July 25, 1943, to his cherished parents Henry and Ruth Browder. He grew up in West Columbia where he attended Brooklyn Cayce High School. Freddie was an Eagle Scout, and went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

During his professional career, Freddie worked at various agencies for the State of South Carolina until his retirement from the Department of Revenue where he made several life-long friends, and left a lasting impression on those he worked with.

Freddie proudly served in the South Carolina Army National Guard, and was honorably discharged on September 5, 1972.

Freddie was an active, and life-long devoted member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He was a stalwart member of the Adult Sunday School Class, and the Lutheran Men in Mission. He served whenever, and wherever he was needed whether it be the church council, as Sunday school teacher, or prepping meals for Vacation Bible School. During retirement Freddie stayed active by helping deliver Meals on Wheels weekly to his community until his declining health in recent years prevented him from doing so.

Freddie was very knowledgeable of, and had a love for South Carolina history; particularly, the history of Lexington County, and Columbia. He had a passion for restoring antique furniture, and enjoyed going to auctions, and estate sales as well as “going junking” at yard sales on weekends. He enjoyed pairing those interests through his “hobby” business Browder Antiques, where he celebrated the camaraderie and fellowship of others with like-minded interests.

Freddie is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Llewellyn Browder; two sons, Mark Browder (Lisa), and Wes Browder (Tammy); beloved grandchildren, Brittany, Marisa, and John; brothers Rick Browder (Pat), Wade Browder (Joyce), and several nieces, and nephews. He was especially fond of his niece Jolene Gillis with whom he shared a special bond.

Freddie was predeceased by his cherished sister, Sybil Hudson, (Jim) whom he held very dear, and affectionately referred to as his twin even though they were 13 months apart in age.

Freddie was a caring, and involved step-father to Llewellyn’s daughters, Amanda Cartner (Randall), and Laura Sosa. He was affectionately called “Pa” and “Mr. Fred” by Llewellyn’s grandchildren, Sophie, Ava, Lilah, and Victor Michael who also loved him dearly.

Freddie was a loving and kind man, whose strong Christian faith was evident to all, and whose parting from this life has left a gaping hole in so many of our lives. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched but we know we will one day meet again, in Heaven.

A funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 11:00am on Saturday, October 21st. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the church parlor. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The church is located at 2491 Emmanuel Church Road, West Columbia, SC, 29170.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s Food Pantry.

The family has entrusted McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation State Street with the handling of arrangements.