Elbert “Gary” Jackson Branscum, age 76, departed this life on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Born on April 6, 1949, in Batesville, Arkansas, Gary was the beloved son of Claud and Louise Marie (Young) Branscum.
Gary was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he earned numerous accolades for his bravery and dedication, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star Medal. His service during the Vietnam War shaped much of his character and instilled in him a profound sense of duty and honor that extended beyond his military life. After his service, Gary found fulfillment working as a mechanic at Jeep, a career that spanned 30 years before his retirement. Even in retirement, Gary remained industrious, taking to the road as a truck driver for Larocca Trucking in Petersburg, MI.
On July 24, 2022, in a beautiful ceremony at their home, Gary married the love of his life, Polly Rose Williams, officiated by a daughter-in-law. Their union was a testament to love and companionship, and together they built a nurturing household filled with laughter, warmth, and joy.
Gary is survived by his cherished wife, Polly. He was a loving father to Glenn (Dawn) Duncan of Toledo, OH, Michael (Tara) Duncan of Sevierville, TN, Dennis Duncan of Toledo, OH, Pamela (Wes) Cotton of South Carolina, Gary (Lauren) Branscum of Clinton, TN, Stacey (Mike Jones) Branscum of Blissfield, MI, Adam (Jessica Maynard) Belair of Deerfield, MI, and Matthew (Alyssa White) Belair of Deerfield, MI. He was a proud grandfather to 18 grandchildren and a doting great-grandfather to 15 great-grandchildren, spreading his love and legacy through generations. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Claud Ray and Lonnie Branscum; and two grandchildren, Adam Michael Glenn Duncan and Sherman Duane Kimple III.
Beyond his family, Gary was actively engaged in his community, as a member of the VFW Post 6509 in Petersburg, the American Legion Deerfield, Michigan Post 392, and the DAV 42 in Dundee, MI.
The family will receive friends at the Marry Funeral Home in Blissfield for a visitation on Saturday, August 9, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding with the presentation of Military Honors at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to benefit the Petersburg VFW Post 6509. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Blissfield.