Peter Harrison "Professor Peter" Branum

The world lost one great individual who was returned to his Sender on October 25th 2025. Peter Harrison Branum – beloved son, brother,husband, dad, uncle, friend, storyteller, and all-around legend – took his final bow surrounded by family who adored him more than words can say. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Ray and Margaret Marie (King) Branum. His late paternal grandparents, Jesse Harrison Branum and Jimmie Pauline Galey Branum, were very influential in his life. Jesse was a role model for energy and humor, and Jimmie inspired his faith.

Born on July 24th, 1953 in Decatur, Alabama, Peter grew up in North Alabama and built a life grounded in love, faith, laughter, and a little bit of mischief. He believed that family came first, stories were meant to be told loudly, and no problem was too big to solve…with a meal and a hearty laugh.

Around the age of 5, Peter was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes-Calves, a disease that kept him off his feet until he was age 8. During these years, his parents took him to many historical sites which began to fire up his life long interest in ALL things history. His siblings were a lot older than him, but they loved their baby brother and did their part to keep him off his feet whenever possible! The beginning of his storytelling abilities surfaced at this time when he was asked by his first grade teacher to entertain the class with stories while she took breaks! Moreover, there were occasional times on the playground when he demonstrated what a terror he could be on crutches.

After he learned to walk again, his mother enrolled him in piano lessons which ended none too soon as he only wanted to learn "What I Say" by Ray Charles! Instead, he would rather be searching for arrowheads and Civil War artifacts. He spent time with family swimming, boating and grilling out at the Branum cabin on the Tennessee River. He grew up with beagles, but learned from daughter Sarah Galey to appreciate the companionship of cats.

In high school, his grandmother encouraged him to attend the Hartselle Campground. There, Peter walked the sawdust trail and put his trust in Jesus Christ as his Saviour – a life changing decision. Eventually, he enrolled at Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, AL and that is his where he met Patti. They married and he graduated from Samford University before moving to Denver, CO to attend seminary. He used to say that life was like living in a big barnyard – and now, it was time to explore other
areas of the yard in addition to the corner in which he grew up. Thus began the long and winding road which he & Patti shared together for 51 years…

One of the reasons Peter was excited to locate to Denver is that he would be close to his brother Steve and his family. Together both families would spend lots of time sharing meals and exploring the great outdoors. In addition, they had their dad's condo in Breckenridge to stay in periodically and maintain for renters. While going to graduate school, Peter helped Patti manage the apartment building in which they lived. One of the tenants was a policeman who persuaded him to be a volunteer chaplain with the Englewood PD. Many stories of encounters with citizens and the police remain in his story repertoire. His pastoral education led him further to the Federal Corrections Institution of Englewood where he conducted services
and classes for inmates. He also helped build and conduct sweat lodge ceremonies with Chief Black Elk of the Lakota Sioux tribe. Denver and the surrounding Rocky Mountains became a home for Peter. He continued to meet many influential folks which challenged his thoughts and opinions. In April 1979, surrounded by thousands of peaceful protesters, he, along with
280 people, committed civil disobedience by trespassing onto the property of Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Facility (i.e. protesting nuclear proliferation and health consequences). The charge of Trespass was finally overturned many years later when Rocky Flats was closed down.

During this time, Peter was invited to leave the apartment in Englewood and share a house with a couple in downtown Capitol Hill in order to begin a ministry to society's downtrodden, a "Shelter from the Storm" so to speak. He worked alongside those dedicated to this purpose until he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Iliff School of Theology at Denver University in May 1980. Before the end of the year he, Patti and little Jesse moved back to Alabama – a decision applauded by grandparents!

Peter spent about seven years in the Methodist itineracy in Birmingham preaching, teaching, doing youth work, marrying and burying parishioners, family and friends. Through a series of circumstances, the winding road led his family, now complete with Sarah Galey, to Auburn University. He undertook additional graduate courses in history due to the assistance of Dr. Wayne Flynt whom he first met while attending Samford in 1975/76. Peter worked for a stint at Special Collections & Archives at Auburn University Library and started picking up occasional history classes to teach at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City. He also worked for a year at Troup County Archives in LaGrange, GA. Then he was approached to become the Director of the Museum of East Alabama in Opelika – a job he loved for five years during the early 2000's. His popularity with students at CVCC led to teaching evening classes for over 25 years and came to an end during Covid.

Peter valued his mobility. He was a bicyclist, hiker, backpacker/camper, mountain climber, cross country skier and scuba diver. His family participated with him in these activities whenever possible. Wherever he lived or took trips, he would learn as much history about the area as he could; he tended to share tidbits of knowledge with strangers young and old. Occasionally, his daughter found herself interjecting–"he's just a natural born teacher".

Music was a big part of his life. He sang and played various instruments, loved going to concerts and was in several local Auburn bands. He was a radio DJ for WEGL, 99.9 the Rock, and Wildman Steve Music on the internet. By fielding call-ins from listeners, he developed several special relationships that directly touched the lives of many in the region. His nickname was "Professor Peter." He loved playing great music that spoke to the head and heart of life on his Sunday Rock Vespers program. Both grownups and children in his neighborhood called him "Mr. Peter." Hewas a dinosaur lover to the end.RIP

Peter leaves behind his wife, Patricia Susan LoVellette Branum, #1 son Jesse Harrison Branum, favorite daughter Sarah Galey Branum Ramsey, son-in-law Foster Alexander Ramsey, two grandchildren Hazel Galey Ramsey and Palfi Alexander Ramsey; brother Steve Branum and wife Jackie, sister Barbara Branum Lyons – wife of the late Tom Lyons; Brother-in-law Steve LoVellette and wife Barbara, and sister-in-law Karen Armstrong. Moreover, he leaves behind many nephews, nieces and cousins and their families – including Randy, David, and John Lyons plus Stephen Branum and Ashley Branum Mourer, who grew up regarding their uncle as fun and magical. His extended family will carry his stories, his faith, his values, and his sense of humor forward. He's now reunited with family and friends and, no doubt, swapping stories, stirring up laughter and singing praises in the presence of the Heavenly Host.

A service will be in Decatur, AL Friday December 12th beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Decatur Presbyterian Church, 2306 Modaus Road SW with a graveside internment to follow.

A celebration of life will also be held in the new year in the Auburn area.

The family wants to thank the staff of Hospice for their compassionate care of Peter in his last days; also, thanks to his personal caretaker, Caroline.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local food bank. Do something in his honor - take your kids out for ice cream, help a neighbor, or toast a life well lived.