Julius "JL" Levi Branham Sr.

Julius “JL” Levi Branham, Sr., age 83, of West Columbia, South Carolina passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023. He was born in Columbia on July 11, 1940 and was the son of Wesley Levi Branham and Lucille Bell Branham.

JL was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. JL retired from Harsco Track Technologies, formerly Fairmont Tamper, after 40+ years of service. Over the years, he managed welding, as well as the Research and Development teams. He was called out of retirement multiple times to assist with major projects and provide his expertise and input as a master welder. In his free time, he investing in local youth sports programs, which his children, and later grandchildren, were a part of. JL was instrumental in the early development of the Midland Ball Park in his home of Pine Ridge, ensuring the safety and fun of neighborhood children for generations to come. In recognition of his hard work, a baseball diamond was dedicated in his honor. JL was a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam from 1961 to 1965.

He is survived by his son, Jay Branham, Jr. (Francie); daughter, Angie Dyches (Adam); grandchildren, Amber Nichuck and Garrett Branham, great-grandson, Everett Alexander; brother, Randy Oswald (Tammy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Janice Branham, and sisters, Judy Martin and Mary Jane Sturgeon; and brothers, Isaac and Laney Branham.

A visitation will be held for JL from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – West Columbia Chapel, 820 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM at the chapel, with burial to follow at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.