Charles Lawson Browne III, beloved husband
Charles Lawson Browne III passed away peacefully in Baltimore, Md., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by his beloved husband, Rod, friends and family. He was born in Camilla, Ga., Oct. 6, 1945. After graduating from high school in Camilla, Charlie attended The Georgia Institute of Technology before transferring to Emory University. At Emory, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he made lifelong and enduring friendships. Charlie received his juris doctor degree from The University of Georgia School of Law and served his country through the armed forces during the Vietnam War.
Charlie moved to the DC/Baltimore area initially as part of the Carter administration and then spent the remainder of his career serving as an attorney in the Johns Hopkins Health System. Charlie had an amazing talent for building community and being a lifelong learner. He is remembered for his kindness, intentionality, inclusive nature, generosity and smart wit. He served on many boards and committees in leadership positions, and volunteered for faith-based and not-for-profit charities throughout his incredible and well-traveled life. Charlie was an active member of his church in both Baltimore and Rehoboth Beach, was a member of Rehoboth Beach Chapter of Black Tie International, a patron of the arts, and a card-carrying member of the ACLU. He supported causes near and dear to him and his loved ones throughout his life. He entertained countless friends, family and chosen family at Seabreeze House in Rehoboth Beach, where he was known for hosting incredible parties. Charlie maintained friendships for over half a century with his childhood and college friends and his fraternity brothers, many of whom became beloved members of his extended family. He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, great-uncle, godfather and of course, husband.
He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Lawson Browne Jr.; his mother, Marie Edwards Browne; and his beloved sister, Charlotte Browne Wright. He is survived by his cherished husband of 40 years, Rodney Craig Cook; niece, Marie Wright Edler (Andy); nephew, William Lawson Wright (Rachel); great-nephews, Nicholas Wright Edler and Austin William Edler; and numerous cousins.
Funeral service will be held at Cox Funeral Home in Manchester, Ga., followed by a graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Talbotton, Ga., Tuesday, March 10. A celebration of life service is to be held at The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore, Md., Friday, March 13.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Charlie’s memory to consider making a gift in his name to support an organization that was close to his heart. Donations may be sent to CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, camprehoboth.org/give. List “in memory of Charlie Browne.”
