Ethel Bert Branham

Col. Ethel "Bert" Branham, USAF (Ret.), 97, of Charleston, South Carolina, widower of Saramary Meininger Branham, entered into eternal rest Sunday, September 7, 2014. His graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014, in Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Road, at 1:00 pm. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway.

Bert was born July 23, 1917 in Oil Springs, Kentucky, a son of the late Fred Branham and Ducie Mae Collins Branham and brother of eleven sisters and three brothers. A true American patriot, he faithfully served 30 years in the United States Army Air Corps and Air Force as a pilot. Bert loved to fly and participated in the Berlin Airlift after World War II. He was recognized for his service to country by numerous medals. He retired from military service and moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 1970. He was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

He is survived by his sons, Michael Branham of Gilbert, SC, Lawrence Melvin Branham of Marlborough, CT, and James Joseph Branham (Barbie) of Lexington, SC; daughters, Bernetta Wills (Edward) of Richmond Hill, GA and Glenna Mae Branham of Charleston, SC; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Bert leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of dedication to God, country and family, he will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Lutheran Foundation, 1885 Rifle Range Rd., Suite 46, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.