Jerre Lamar Brannen, 85, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 8, 2022 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He lived a life devoted to His Savior and wrapped in the love of Jesus. He would have all of us remember one thing – that Jesus Christ loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. His family cherishes the memories of his faithful love for all, which was rooted in Jesus’ faithful love for him.

He was born September 19, 1936 in Anniston, Alabama to John and Hazel Brannen. Mr. Brannen was a graduate of Anniston High School, and a four sport star athlete. In 2019 he was selected as a member of the Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame. He was recruited to play football at the University of Alabama and became a key member of Coach Bear Bryant’s first “turnaround” team in 1958 while earning his degree at Alabama. The Crimson Tide would flow through Brannen veins for generations!

Mr. Brannen married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Jones, on December 27, 1958 and they celebrated 63 years of faithful love and marriage. Together they raised four children who were his pride and joy. He proudly served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army from 1961-1963 then served in the US Army Reserves until 1968. He moved his family to Gainesville, Florida and built a successful business as an independent sales rep for many apparel and sporting good brands. Having his family together, seeing the love and laughter around the table, playing an occasional game of golf, and watching Alabama football were some of his favorite things in life.

But more than all of these things, Mr. Brannen loved his Savior Jesus Christ and the dearest thing to his heart was being a daily witness for Him. He would witness to any and all he came in contact with, from the gas station attendant, to the store clerk, to a fellow business man, he wanted them all to know of Christ’s love and forgiveness. He was a faithful member of North Central Baptist Church of Gainesville, Florida for over 55 years, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher to college students and international students.  He also served as a trustee at Baptist College of Florida, and at The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served with the Florida Baptist Convention as second vice president. He had a deep passion for international missions and would take multiple teams, including his grandchildren, to over 7 countries on 3 continents.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Patricia Brannen; children Stacy Darty (Walt), Kelly Carr (Calvin), Terre Ulm (Scott), Jay Brannen (Melissa); grandchildren Amber Rollins (Chad), Dave Darty, Apryl Gonzalez (Steve), Anna Crowder (Ethan), Abby Dicks (Wes), Paul Carr (Mandee), Katherine Wohlers (Scott), Rachel Dee (Matt), Jennifer Carr, Jerre Carr (Alyson), Jason Ulm (Leah), Rebekah Ulm, Jared Brannen, and Luke Brannen; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel Brannen and siblings Jim, Bill, and Don Brannen.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, January 13th, 11am at North Central Baptist Church, 8001 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32606. The visitation is one hour prior, beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North Central Baptist Church’s world missions offering.