Wayne Branton

Dell LaWane “Wayne” Branton, 77, went to be with the Lord suddenly in his home on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Born on February 27, 1938 to the late Deward Gaston Branton and Thelma Bowman. He was raised by his grandparents, Tom and Ola Branton in Rome, Georgia. He moved to Calhoun in 1967, which became his true home in “God’s country” among the Craigtown community. In his childhood years, he was known as the class clown at school but very punctual. Wayne loved refereeing for the high school basketball league and enjoyed playing softball in the adult league in his young adult years. Wayne served in the United States Marine Corp Reserve, during which time he served as a chef and later, blessed his family with good cooking throughout his life and recipes that will live on forever. He spent his career working for Atlanta Gas Light Company for almost 34 years before retiring in 1995. After retiring, he served as secretary of the Calhoun Elks Lodge, where he was an active member serving as Exalted Ruler from 1976 to 1977. Wayne was a dedicated Atlanta Braves fan and when baseball season was not in session, Bill O’Reilly was frequently found on the TV. Wayne was an avid fisherman and loved trips to Florida with his buddies. His jokes were witty and unforgettable and his wisdom beyond measure, reflecting Jesus Christ’s love. He worshipped the Lord each Sunday as a member of Antioch Baptist Church and, daily, in the way he lived his life loving and caring for others. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Mildred Ann “Millie” Craig Branton, two daughters, Terri Lynn Branton Bailey and Dana Leigh Branton Bailey, son-in-law, Phillip Bailey, stepson, Eddie Harkins, granddaughter, Dr. Christina Leigh Duncan, grandson and namesake, Gaston “Branton” Bailey, mother of his daughters, Celina Boyette Bell Branton, special 3-year-old friend, Ariel Hicks, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Patsy Craig, sister-in-law, Ann Walraven, and numerous dear friends. Visitation will be Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Antioch Baptist Church from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and also on Friday, March 27, 2015 Wayne will be taken to the church to lie in state from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM. The funeral service will be Friday, March 27, 2015 at Antioch Baptist Church at 4:00 PM conducted by Dr. Larry Hibberts and Rev. Mitch Phillips with interment following at Fain Cemetery conducted by Rev. Brent Davis. Pallbearers will be Caris Roland, Herbert Wilson, Paul Barton, Gary Holbert, Reed Davis, David Craig, and Charles Tucker. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Craig, Calvin Caldwell, Allen Bailey, David Bailey, Mickey Pass, Shane McDougal, Billy Johnson, Larry Stamey, his Pat’s Place lunch crew, and the Calhoun Elks. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Christian Life Center at Antioch Baptist Church of Calhoun, Georgia. Please make checks payable to Antioch Baptist Church, Memo Line: CLC- Wayne Branton Memorial to the mailing address of, 2666 Dews Pond Road SE, Calhoun, GA 30701. You may leave the Branton family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Dell LaWane “Wayne” Branton.