Dr. Tom S. Brandon

1927 - 2014

SHERMAN -- Dr. Tom S. Brandon, Sr. peacefully passed away at home on July 25, 2014, and immediately entered the presence of Jesus Christ whom he had served for 86 years. Dr. Brandon was born in Benton, Ky. on Oct. 9, 1927 to James and Mary Brandon. He graduated from Union University, Jackson, Tenn. in 1949 with a BA and where he loved playing basketball and participating in the ministerial alliance.

While at Union University he met the love of his life, Dolly Bandy, and was wed to her on August 29, 1948.

Dr. Brandon began his ministerial studies at Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in 1949 from which he obtained his BD in 1955 and his ThD in 1962.

During college at the age of 18, Dr. Brandon served as pastor for Leawood Baptist Church (Memphis) (1948 – 1950). After graduation from Union he served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Wharton (1950 – 1953) and Wichita Street Baptist Church (1953 – 1963). Dr. Brandon became the pastor of First Baptist Sherman serving from 1963 – 1990 and as its Pastor Emeritus from 1990 – 2014. During the last ten years of ministry he also worked with Marketplace Ministries where he served as a chaplain to the chaplains. Dr. Brandon was active in local and denominational ministry while he served for more than 50 years in Sherman.

During the time of his ministry in Sherman, Dr. Brandon served as regional coordinator and on the board of Institute in Basic Life Principles (1990 – 2002). He also founded "Paraclete Ministries" in 2001 as a call to God's people to a "time of refreshing that comes from the Presence of the Lord."

He and his wife, Dolly, ministered in many different venues and settings throughout the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Brandon preached in crusades in 3 different African nations. He and Dolly traveled and ministered in more than 15 countries, including making countless trips to Mexico.

Dr. Brandon was preceded in death by his parents and his five siblings. Dr. Brandon is survived by his wife, Dolly Bandy Brandon, of almost 66 years, five children, Tom and Kathleen Brandon, Jr., Virginia Lee Stringfellow, Susie Webb and husband Claude, Shari Blodgett and husband Steve, and Don S. Brandon. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren (and four on the way).

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Sherman at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2014. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made payable to Ministry of Encouragement, FBC of Sherman or to Home Hospice of Grayson County.

The family will receive friends from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Friday, August 1 at First Baptist Church. The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.