Dr. Ronald R. Brannon, a former General Secretary of The Wesleyan Church, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, following an extended illness. He was 84 years old.
Dr. Brannon was a faithful and lifelong Wesleyan. He was a graduate of Miltonvale Wesleyan College, now Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He was elected General Secretary of The Wesleyan Church in November 1982, and he served in that role until his retirement from headquarters in 2000.
Prior to his service as General Secretary, Dr. Brannon was a pastor in Miltonvale, Kansas and Wichita, Kansas from 1948-1968. During those years, he co-founded and directed the Wichita Police Chaplaincy and served as a leader in the Wesleyan youth movement. From 1968-1983 he was district superintendent of the Kansas District of The Wesleyan Church.
Following his service as General Secretary of the denomination, he continued in pastoral ministry at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana until 2003, completing 55 years of tireless ministerial service in The Wesleyan Church and unto the Lord.
Dr. Brannon was an officer and member of numerous boards including the General Board of Administration, Wesleyan Investment Foundation, Miltonvale Wesleyan College Board of Trustees, Oklahoma Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, and many others. He served for many years as chair of the Hephzibah Children’s Home Board of Directors.
Many comments have been received since Dr. Brannon’s passing. Those who knew him best most frequently describe him as kind, wise, and generous: a godly gentleman with a godly legancy. One friend and schoolmate said, “He was the best of all of us.”
The funeral and burial took place at 12Stone Church and Lawrenceville, GA.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rosalee; daughter, Rhonda Storer; sons, Rev. Rod Brannon and Rev. Randall Brannon; a brother, Rev. Elmer Brannon; and twenty grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
