Raful Randolph Braden was born on September 10, 1977 in Houston, Texas. He was the second child of Predo and Ruby Braden. His devoted parents instilled the importance of family, hard work, kindness and the importance of having a strong and meaningful relationship with the Lord. These values were strengthened as Raful matured into a young man, and even more so as evident by all the lives he has touched that would later define his life.
Raful graduated with honors from Forest Brook High School in 1996, where he was a member of the Varsity Football Team, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and the National Honor Society. After graduating from high school Raful attended Prairie View A&M University for two years.
Raful worked for various companies including Riviana Rice as a Quality Assurance Manager, Siemens as a Service Technician, and The Port of Houston. He was often recognized for his incredible work ethic and “can do” attitude. From a very young age Raful demonstrated incredible mechanical aptitude, which he learned from his Father. He had an uncanny ability to take things apart and put them together, always repairing things around the house. He also was an excellent carpenter and landscaper. Raful was a visionary who imagined and created things others could only dream of.
Raful started his Christian journey at a very early age. He was baptized at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church where he would go on to sing in the Choir, serve as an Usher, and was a member of the Youth Ministry. During his early teen years, Raful transferred church membership to East Park Baptist Church. He would often be found serving the Lord while performing Missionary work in the community, serving the less fortunate at the George R. Brown Convention Center during Thanksgiving, and collecting articles of clothing for clothing drives.
Raful was an avid sports fan and almost never missed watching his favorite teams. He loved the Rockets, Astros, and especially the Texans. He also loved the Cowboys, and Texas A&M Aggies, Prairie View Panthers and University of Houston Cougars. He never missed an opportunity to talk sports often playing the role of General Manager where he would express his pleasure or displeasure with certain players and who needed to be traded or cut from the team.
Raful was a very giving, loving, and caring person. Family meant the world to him. Raful always exhibited a positive attitude and forward looking outlook on life. It was very rare to find him on a down day. Even when times appeared most trying, Raful always looked for the positive and knew the Lord would make a way out of no way. Raful would never hesitate to help family and friends alike. He possessed such a giving spirit and would give his last to whomever was in need.
Raful was preceded in death by his father, Predo Braden, Sr. and his mother Ruby Lois Braden. He leaves to cherish the memory of his life his sister, Chandra Braden Hummons (Kevin). His nephews, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.
A visitation for Raful will be held Friday, December 17, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Paradise Funeral Home, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 17, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A committal service will occur Friday, December 17, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088.
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