'Barney Fife' to help kick off
annual United Way campaign

SANFORD — The Mayberry Deputy, aka David Browning, will help launch the United Way's annual campaign later this month, when he appears in Sanford as keynote speaker for the group's annual Pacesetter Kickoff Breakfast.

Pacesetters are local companies that help "set the pace" by making significant contributions early in the annual fundraising campaign. The breakfast, scheduled for Aug. 26 at 8 a.m., honors those companies and includes United Way officials and company representatives.

A versatile actor and comedian, Browning is best known for his impersonation of Barney Fife, the character made popular by actor Don Knotts on television's The Andy Griffith Show.

"The character is funny and it's clean entertainment," Browning says about the "Fife" persona. "In the world we live in today, people are searching for their own Mayberry. I value this character for what it gives to people today — laughter and memories."

With 15 years of experience traveling the country as The Mayberry Deputy, Browning gives a humorous and touching perspective of what Mayberry means in our world today.

He has made more than 5,000 presentations as the comic lawman and served as an opening act for both Knotts and George Lindsey, who played the role of Goober Pyle on the iconic TV classic. He's no stranger to Sanford, having visited the Small Business Expo in May.

During the Pacesetter Breakfast hosted by Central Carolina Hospital, The Mayberry Deputy will mingle with the crowd and issue "citations" before giving a short performance featuring stories about Mayberry characters and a look at the United Way's efforts in Lee County.

Browning's performance is sponsored by Richard Feindel, president of WWGP Broadcasting, which operates radio stations WWGP-AM and WFJA Oldies 105.5 FM in Sanford.

The United Way of Lee County has raised and distributed millions of dollars to help nurture children, enhance self-sufficiency and strengthen families. Contributions raised throughout the year, including the fall campaign, are distributed to more than two dozen member agencies dedicated to improving life for everyone in Lee County.