Marion “Junior” Cevester Branson, Jr., 83, auto mechanic and resident of Morris, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024 in Tulsa. He was born on Sunday, April 6, 1941, to Marion Branson, Sr. and Johnnie (Livingston) Branson in Snowball, Ark. He was united in marriage to Gaila Sue (Fleetwood) on October 27, 1963. Junior loved his wife, Gaila, for 59 years. Their love was like no other. He took such good care of Gaila – always cooking, taking her to doctors appointments or just sitting by her side for hours at the hospital when she was sick. They would talk about all the memories they had together. It didn’t matter how tired he was, he always found the strength to be exactly what she needed when she needed it.
Juniors kids and grandkids were everything to him. He was always on their side ready to defend or cheer them on. If they had a need, he would try to meet it, even if it meant he would do without. He was so full of energy and loved to dance and sing – even more so when all the family was together. Junior loved putting a smile on his family’s faces. He loved to go hunting and fishing and knew just where all the secret fishing spots were and how to find them. He was such a strong part of his family April 6, 1941 – June 3, 2024
and will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gaila in April of 2022; and brother, Gene Branson, Sr.
Those left to cherish his memory include son, Mark Branson; daughter, Marlene Gibson of Morris; brother, Larry Branson and wife, Linda of Wilson; two sisters, Ruth Branson and Shirley Cypert both of Wilson; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 3-6 p.m. at Add’Vantage Funeral Service Chapel.
A funeral will take place Friday, June 7, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Wilson Baptist Church in Wilson, with Rev. Kevin Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Salt Creek Cemetery in Wilson. Pallbearers are Mike Rogers, Wayne Fleetwood, Doug Garrison, Marvin Farned, Gene Branson, Jr., Larry Branson, Jr. and Kelly Garrison. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Sullins, Joe Freeman and Dale Farned.
