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Funeral services for Lester Branning will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Creighton White, Rev. Michael Wells and Rev. Mike Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Coy Community Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at McClain-Hays.
On Monday October 27th, Lester went to be with his Lord and Savior after a very long illness. Lester loved his family, children, and treasured the visits from his grandchildren.
Special thanks to Dr. Anna Marie Sharp, Martie Vaugn, Kelsey Sanderford, Catina Porter, Bridgett Chisolm, and the many hospice nurses from Quality Hospice. Also, special thanks to the many sitters over the years that helped to care for him at home as well as Servants Heart.
He was a very talented baseball pitcher. He loved helping anyone in need especially his in-laws. He was called their favorite son-in-law by some of the family. Lester was a skilled brick mason and left his mark in many places such as the Citizens bank in Philadelphia and Union, Andersons Hospital, Dudy Noble Field, Polk-Dement Stadium, and many homes in the surrounding area. He worked for A&B Electric for a number of years. His last project was a labor of love on his home and sidewalk for his loving wife.
He will be remembered for his kindness, his charm, and love that he had for his wife and family.
Lester is survived by his wife of 35 years Beth Branning of Preston Ms., daughter; Amy Edgar (Krystof) of Madison, Ms., son's; Scott Branning (Rhonda) of Philadelphia, Ms., Ben Robinson (Nichole) of Brandon, Ms., 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, brothers; Rex Branning (Debra), Bruce Branning (Sonya) along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and their families.
Lester is preceded in death by a daughter; April Branning, his parents; Lester (Bud) Branning and Fay Branning, sister; Kay Knight.
Pallbearers will be Ben Robinson, Krystof Edgar, Dean Damon, Drew Edgar, Terry Bostick and Dustin Branning.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1002 East Main Street P. O. Box 267, Philadelphia, MS 39350
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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