John Browning married Rachel Child in 1879. Together they raised a large family, with John balancing his demanding career with family life. Rachel provided unwavering support throughout his life.

John and Rachel Browning had several children, including Val A. Browning and John Val Browning, who both became involved in the family business and continued their father's legacy in the firearms industry. Their children's involvement suggests a close-knit family dynamic.

His first wife, Rachel Child Browning, passed away in 1919.

John Browning married Elizabeth Hill Clark in 1921, five years before his death.

John Browning died of heart failure on November 26, 1926, in Herstal, Belgium, while working on the final design of the Browning Superposed shotgun. He left behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential firearms designers in history.