The world mourns today for the loss of one of the greats. On February 11, 2020, Harry Wells Branaman has shaken off the chains of this mortal coil and passed on to eternity to be with his one true God. Harry moves on, leaving behind not only his family, but all those he touched in his life with a profound sense of loss, but with a peace in knowing he is with God and is reunited with his wife of 72 years, Irble Branaman. Harry never met a stranger. Always with a smile, good-hearted greeting or some joke. He would brighten the day while ultimately teaching some invaluable life lesson in the process. It was on the rare occasion he ever let things get him down, at least never let on that something did. A World War II veteran at the Battle of the Bulge where he received a Purple Heart for saving the lives of three men in his Company, he is the epitome of the term “The Greatest Generation”. Kindness, patience and understanding make up the core of Harry’s being. A long time Freemason and Shriner, he spent a lot of his free time in retirement helping others and making the world a better place. So many were touched by him in his many years of service with Howard Brothers, then Wilsons, finally with Service Merchandise, where they even put a section in the company manager’s manual on how to “Branaman-ize” their store to make it a more productive. Even after his retirement the untiring devotion to people would remain a focus for his life. This was realized through his church where he was Deacon at Tillmans Corner Baptist Church as well as he and Irble’s work shuttling patients to and from Shriner’s Hospital for treatment. Although he will be missed, we can all remember some story he told that made us think harder or laugh more. Some subtle lesson for life that you didn’t realize was even happening at the time. There is comfort in remembering him as the one of a kind man he was and we all know he is where he wants to be. Alongside Jesus with he and Irble looking down on us all and smiling. We love you.
Harry leaves behind his daughter, Sharon Branaman. A grandson, Morrison McSherry and his great granddaughter, Sarah Cole McSherry and many other loving friends and family across the country. He is proceeded in death by his wife of 72 years, and love of his life, Irble King Branaman, his brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Ann Morgan, Eunitia Jean Wonder, Barbra Ruth Frye, Hugh Allen Branaman and Richard Kendrich Branaman. All of whom called their little brother “Bud”. In lieu of flowers it was Harry’s wish to send any donations to Shriner’s Hospital.
Join us on Monday, February 17th, 2020 at 12:00 pm as we remember Harry to celebrate his life. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2020 at 2:00 PM from the Chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens.
1922-2020
A chapel service will be held at 2pm on Monday, 02/17/2020 from Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, followed by a committal service at the grave site.
