February 4, 1935 – November 28, 2006

A graveside service for Merdic Eugene “Gene” Branham, 71, will be held 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, November 30, 2006, in Southland Memorial Gardens, officiated by The Rev. Michael L. Townsend. The family will greet friends following the service. Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to New Heights Church, 5501 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.

Mr. Branham died Tuesday, November 28, 2006. Born February 4, 1935, in Winnsboro, he was a son of the late Daniel Merdic Branham and Annie Myers Branham, He was reared in Columbia, and following his graduation from Eau Claire High School he joined the U.S. Navy. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of the Dutch Fork Masonic Lodge #402, the Jamil Shrine Temple, and the Scottish Rite.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Parks Branham; a son, Jeff Branham of Irmo, a daughter, Julie and husband, Joey Candler of Buffalo, S.C., and grandchildren, Blake and Lauren Branham.