Russell Bryan Branscum

Russell Bryan Branscum, of Shirley, Arkansas, departed this life on November 7, 2025, no longer burdened by the challenges of this world. Born on September 14, 1957, in Mountain View, Arkansas, Russell was the cherished son of Shem and Lois (Bradshaw) Branscum.

Russell grew up and attended school in Timbo, Arkansas. He was a rambunctious child, the fourth of five children, four boys and a girl. He was dodging BB pellets and whatever could be fired off from a slingshot, not to mention a friendly disagreement with siblings that often would end in a fist fight during his childhood years. He and his brothers taught their little sister to be the rowdiest of all during all their childhood adventures. As with all of us, he enjoyed the good, while at times he would endure difficulties.

After graduating from Timbo High School, he attended the University of Central Arkansas for a short time. Russell also served his country in the Army National Guard.

When he was a young man, he worked in the drywall business with his brother Jerome. Russell also worked for many years with his brother and sister-in-law, Sid and Dorothy Branscum, at Roller Funeral Homes, as well as working as a Deputy Coroner in Van Buren County. Though he wore many hats, what most everyone knew him for and will remember him by was being a gravedigger. There are a lot of people in this county and the surrounding areas who have had graves of their loved ones opened and closed by him

He was a good man despite what some would say. He didn't mind telling you how he felt and, at times, laughing and finding humor where a lot of folks could not. He had a giving nature, to a fault sometimes. You never had to guess where you stood with Russell, and you knew if you were his friend. So many people knew him, and many will miss his personality and reminisce about the times spent.

Russell is survived by his two children, Charity Lee and husband Philip, and Bryan "B.J." Branscum, brother, Jerome Branscum and wife Missy of Indiana, sister-in-law, Donna Branscum, nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Carolyn Branscum, siblings: Sid (Dorothy) Branscum, Stevie Branscum, and Deborah (Sonny) Fendley.

Even in the deepest sorrow of this difficult time, love finds a way to grow. From tragedy, we learn the boundless strength of the human heart.

In honor of Russell's wishes, he will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Clinton Funeral Service is honored to have been entrusted with arrangements for the Branscum Family. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories of Russell on our Memory Wall.