Mitchell Branyan

Tupelo - Mitchell Branyan, 89, died Friday, November 13, 2009, at his residence. A Sherman native and lifelong resident of Lee County, he was born March 2, 1920, to Kyle and Lou McCarter Branyan. He graduated from Sherman High School and served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in Las Alamos, New Mexico. He was commended by the U.S. War Department for his contributions to the development of the atomic bomb. He worked as a bookkeeper for several local firms, retiring from J.J. Rogers. He was married 63 years to Ruth Brassfield Branyan who preceded him in death May 31, 2005. He enjoyed reading and tinkering with his pet projects. He was a member of First Baptist Church

Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Dr. Gayle Alexander and Rev. Rick Ball officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park.

Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Joyce Branyan and Frances Blackwell and husband, Ron; his grandson, Joseph W. (Joey) Blackwell; three great-grandchildren, Madison Paige Blackwell, Dylan Wayne Blackwell, and Katelann Jade Suddieth, all of Tupelo; his brother, Gerald Branyan of Coldwater.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 300 Church St. Tupelo MS 38804.