On Sunday, March 6, 2016, Hugh Stanley Branyon passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus.
Hugh was born on March 9, 1939 to loving parents Max Hammond Branyon Sr. and Madge Stanley Davidson Branyon. The youngest of four boys, Hugh and his brothers experienced an idyllic childhood in Fayette, Ala.
He graduated from Fayette County High School in 1957 and attended Auburn University and the University of Alabama.
His remarkable career with the Alabama State Park System began in 1957 and spanned 50 years of honorable service. A kind and humble person, Hugh led by steadfast example. He was a dedicated environmentalist and loyal steward of Alabama’s natural resources.
He retired in December 2009 as the Southwest District Chief for the Conservation Department’s State Parks Division, overseeing the Gulf State Park and five other area parks. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park was named in his honor.
A member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Hugh was also active in many local civic clubs and organizations, and received the highest awards given by Rotary and Lions Club International.
He was a dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church in Bon Secour, Ala. where he served as a loving and caring deacon.
Hugh was preceded in death by his parents; and his three brothers, James Curtis, Max Hammond Jr. and William Monroe Branyon.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carol Wenzel Branyon; daughters, Allyson Branyon Clarke (Ken), Bethany Branyon Jollie; and grandchildren, Branyon, Raygen and Cason Clarke, and Genesis and Bryce Jollie. He is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.
Hugh loved to fish and he enjoyed nature. He and Carol treasured the time they spent observing God’s magnificent creation during their afternoon rides.
He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his family. He was our extended family’s beloved patriarch, who led every meal in a prayer of thanksgiving.
He was a gentle soul, devoted to his family and friends. His every interaction honored our Lord.
Hugh will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to express our sincere and deepest gratitude to his pastor, the Reverend Randy Johnson and the Reverends George Myers and Jerry Peebles. God bless his caretakers at Robertsdale HealthCare Center and Springhill Hospice for providing tender and compassionate end-of-life care.
The visitation will be held at the First Baptist of Gulf Shores from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016. The funeral service will follow at 2.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Baptist Church Building and Grounds Committee, P.O. Box 65, Bon Secour, AL 36511.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
