Christopher D. "Mike" Branham

Christopher D. Branham, known affectionately as "Mike" to those who knew and loved him, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. He was 59 years old.
Mike was born in 1965 in North Carolina, but lived most of his life in Alexandria, VA. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 28 years, Chandra Nutt Branham ("Chan"). The couple met at a party in Alexandria in the 1980s, when they were in their young 20s, and began a relationship that would continue for the next 36 years.
Mike is described by his friends and family as one-of-a-kind – funny, stubborn, opinionated, sometimes loud, with a boisterous laugh and a big heart. He had a long career as a journeyman mechanic, and joined United Parcel Service, where he worked for 30 years. He then retired in 2015 to pursue his true passions – fishing and hunting. Mike was always an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman. His love of these sports took him across the country, from Virginia, to Florida, to Wisconsin and Iowa, to Alaska, and many places in between. He and Chan bought a vacation home in Florida, where he was able to enjoy fishing in his own backyard. He loved hosting friends in Florida, fishing all day and telling tall tales at night.
Mike was a truly unique person – a rugged, burly, bear of a man with a soft spot for friends and family. He was smart and capable. Once he put his mind to something, there was nothing he could not do, including many home renovations and building projects, and the never-ending work on his boats. He took great pride in his technical and problem-solving skills.
In addition to his wife, Chan, Mike is survived by his father, Billy Joe Branham, and brothers Ted Branham (Delya), Larry Branham, and Terry Huffman, along with many cousins. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 19th, from 2:00-4:00 pm, at the Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315.