Gerrald "Jerry" Olon Branton

Gerrald Olon (Jerry) Branton of West Columbia went to be with His Lord on Sunday, January 31, after a brief illness. Born August 9, 1949, in Conway, SC, he was the son of the late Leamon Branton and Kittie Belle Norman Branton. Jerry is survived by his wife, Mildred, his son, Andy (Jacque) Wenger, three grandchildren, Mandy (Ben) Easton, Melissa (Jay) Evans and Matthew (Allie) Wenger as well as nine great-grandchildren with another on the way in July. He is also survived by two brothers, Franklin Branton (Conway) and Tim Branton (Columbia) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Winona Benton, Emmaline McDonald, and Doris Todd; and one brother, Walton Branton. After serving in the Air Force, Jerry completed his education at the University of South Carolina, earning two degrees in Political Science and Accounting. He began his career as an agent with Liberty Life Insurance. He later joined the SC Commission of Banking, retiring as a Chief Field Examiner after over 22 years of service. Jerry never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went, including many across the state in banks where he performed examinations. He was an avid Conway High School Tigers and SC Gamecocks fan. In addition, he and Mildred enjoyed many wonderful experiences together through camping clubs, travel, and Campers on Mission. He was a long-time member of State Street Baptist Church in Cayce where he served in many capacities including deacon, church treasurer, usher, RA leader and children’s Sunday School teacher. He could be found on the church grounds often during the week serving with Handy Hands, a group of men who worked on church upkeep. He especially enjoyed sending Christmas and Birthday cards to family and friends as well as the many children whom he taught in Sunday School, even well into their adulthood. It was well-known that if you had been taught by Jerry, you would receive a card on your birthday. He could always be counted upon to help others in need and he always had a smile. A Celebration of Life service will be held at State Street Baptist Church, 1420 State Street, Cayce, on Thursday, February 4 at 2:00PM. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary one hour before the service. The family requests that Covid-19 protocols be followed during the service, including the wearing of masks. A graveside service will be held at Tilly Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Renovations Fund at State Street Baptist Church, Cayce, SC or Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, Greenwood, SC. Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia is assisting the family with arrangements.