Richard Aaron Branham Sr.

Richard Aaron Branham Sr., 76, of Blythewood, South Carolina died on July 21, 2026. Born December 17, 1949, he was the youngest child and the only son of Aaron Elias Branham and Martha Helen Gunter. He was a graduate of the original Blythewood High School where he played Varsity basketball beginning in the 7th grade.

Known by many as "Big Richard," he was a kind-hearted man that would do anything to help someone in need. He was born in Blythewood and spent the majority of his life living and serving in the Blythewood, Ridgeway, and Winnsboro Communities. He served as the fire chief in the Town of Blythewood for over 17 years and was instrumental in the construction of the current Blythewood fire station. He spent many years serving at Richard Winn Academy on the school board and assisting to help rebuild the school after it was destroyed by a tornado in 1984. Many people know him as the man who spent years riding around on the golf cart at the Blythewood baseball fields, volunteering his time to make sure the fields were green and ready to play. He and his wife enjoyed running the concession stand at the baseball fields.

He was a devoted father who spent his life teaching his children how to be of service to others and doing that by example. He was a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings in the Church throughout his life, including Bishop of the Ridgeway Ward and Branch President of the Blythewood Branch and the Fort Jackson Military Branch. He served as a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America and helped over 20 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He and his wife hosted an annual hayride for the Church youth for 30 years at their home.

Richard had various business ventures over the years. Originally starting in the electrical business, he eventually started and ran a sawmill with his wife and father. He later settled in the contracting world and did professional grounds maintenance until he retired.

Richard and his sweetheart Sybil were married shortly after high school and had recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia "Sybil" Sharpe Branham; sons Richard Branham, Jr. (Bethany) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Dean Branham (Denise) of Blythewood, Jeff Branham (Heather) of Mount Pleasant; five granddaughters, Abby (Kade), Haley (Michael), Britany, Emma, and Sarah; six grandsons, Benjamin, Samuel, Campbell, Jake, Aaron, and Hank; three great grandchildren, Cleo, Karter and Millie; sister Martha Ann Branham Trapp; brother-in-law Richard Campbell, Sr.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Aaron; mother Helen; stepmother Fannie Mattox Branham; daughter Brantley Diane Branham; sisters Sarah Mae Campbell and Adelle Mattox; and brother-in-law Joe Trapp, Sr.

The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Bradley Word, for his dedicated friendship and compassionate care for more than two decades.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Missionary Fund by clicking here.

Funeral services will be held Saturday July 25, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ridgeway Chapel located at 1391 Centerville Road (State Rd S-20-67), Ridgeway, SC 29130. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and funeral services will start at 11:30 AM and will move to the Centerville cemetery for a short graveside service. A livestream will be available at ShivesFuneralHome.com. 

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.