Rufus H. "Luke" Brannon

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday October 7, 2023 at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial featuring military honors will be held 11:00 am Monday October 9, 2023 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Mr. Brannon was born November 8, 1925 in Anderson, S.C. and grew up in Columbia. He was a 1942 graduate of Dreher High School. After graduating he quickly rose to General Ledger Keeper at SC National Bank at age 18. In April 1944, he was called to serve his country in the United States Army. He fought in a heavy weapons machine gun squad during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge until he was injured. He received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service during the Battle of the Bulge. On August 30, 1945 he was discharged from the Army.

In 1948, he was a recipient of a Bachelor of Science degree from Newberry College. For many years, he was employed with Cate-McLaurin Company as the credit and sales promotion manager. Luke was an executive with the International Consumer Credit Association, serving as president of the third district 1966-67. He later became manager of radio station WOIC, leaving to become a real estate broker with Bob Russell Realty (later Russell and Jeffcoat Realty). In 1975, he formed his own company with partner Mike Skinner, Brannon and Skinner Realty, until his retirement in 1991. In retirement, he went on multiple adventures including riding elephants in Thailand, zip lining through the jungle in Honduras, rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, kissing the Blarney Stone, and sky diving at age 85.

A lifetime Methodist, he served his church as teacher, usher, lay reader and choir member for over 60 years.

An avid golfer, he greatly enjoyed his many friends and fellow members at Country Club of Lexington where he often shot his age or better.

He is predeceased by his mother, Annie Laurie Padgett, his step-father, Robert Walter Padgett, Sr., a son, Mark K. Brannon, a brother Maurice Brannon, a step-brother, Robert Walter Padgett, Jr., and a step-sister, Emery Devore. Survivors include his beloved Jane Lafferty, a son, Michael Brannon (Janet), daughter, Laurie Brigman (Bob), five grandchildren, Kevin Brannon (Debi), Tracy Frierson (Randy), Bill Brigman (Amanda), Jennifer Broome, Jessica Mast (PJ) and numerous great and great- great grandchildren.

Quick witted, he tried to find humor in everything and was pleased to bring a smile to anyone’s face. He truly loved his fellow man.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the food pantry at Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedevine.com for the Brannon family.