Pastor's Blog

James Wesley Brannon, age 87, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021. James was born June 24, 1933 in Bessemer, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Ligon Brannon and Katherine Chamblee Brannon; and sister, Helen Raye Barger.

He grew up in the Bessemer area except for the time during World War 2 when the family moved to Mobile. His father worked in a shipyard there building ships to support the war effort. After the war they moved back to Bessemer.

Jim joined the Navy at 17 years of age. Shortly after boot camp, he was assigned to the USS LSMR-409. The 409 soon deployed to the Korean Peninsula to fight in the war there.

After returning to the US, he went home on leave. While at home, he met the love of his life, Lavelle Newman. They married in November of 1952 and enjoyed 68 years together.

Jim stayed in the Navy for 20 years, retiring in 1969. He served on ships and stations on both coasts and made several more deployments overseas, including the Vietnam War.

After retiring from the Navy, Jim couldn’t sit still. He became a truck driver for the next 25-plus years. He enjoyed being his own boss and having new adventures on the road.

He retired from truck driving to become the spoiler of grandchildren.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 60 years and the Eastern Star over 50 years. His last membership was in Grand Bay Masonic Lodge #767 and the Order of Eastern Star #348 in Mobile.

He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, Alabama.

Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lavelle Brannon; son, Wesley (Susan) Brannon; daughter, Diane (Morris) Bryant; grandchildren, Stephanie (David) Frazier, Barton (Julie) Brannon, Kyle (Sueanna) Bryant, William (Brittany) Brannon, and Whitney Bryant; eight great-grandchildren, and other relatives.

Our thanks and gratitude go to the staff of the William F. Green Alabama State Veterans home for their care of him the past three years.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private service for the immediate family will be held. In memory donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.serenityfuneralhome.com for the Brannon family.

Pharmacist Ross Hatcher of the Grand Bay Pharmacy has the vaccine in stock.  Any person seventy five years old or older can call 865 5555 to make an appointment.  Please pass the word.  Will someone please tell Wendy Johnston?

I posted the obit for Belvin McDonald.  We need folks from the Friendship family to help with the feeding of the family on Friday. Please call the church office or contact Tina Wilkinson.

Diane and family will go to the funeral home today to make the arrangements for Diane’s father.  Keep praying for the Brannon family.

I ask that you continue to pray for Bro. Jerry Hovel and the others who are battling the virus.

The Lord blessed and my brother, Eddie, & I had an easy day of travel yesterday.  We landed in Guatemala City at 12:33PM and were in the parking garage at 12:54PM.  If you have flown here previously then you will understand what a “miracle” that was!

Yesterday was the first day of school for the students at Colegio JET.  Eddie & I were able to visit the older students who attend in the afternoon session.  We will see the younger students this morning.

Deidra has me lined up with meeting after meeting after meeting beginning this morning.  Of course, that is my purpose for being here.  Pray that all goes well, please.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

Belvin Levi McDonald, Sr., a native of Grand Bay, AL, passed away January 10, 2021.

He was born November 23, 1932, on Hall Rd in the family home and considered Grand Bay to be his home.

He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Thornton McDonald; parents, Bedford and Harriet McDonald; sister, Joyce Gardner; and step-son, Randal “Randy” Reeves.
Suvivors include his children, Joy Scott, Karen (Hector) Saldivar, Linda (Darrell) Whidden, Belvin “BJ” (Kim) McDonald, Jr.; step-children, Kerry “Speedy” (Lyn) Reeves and Mary Dueitt; sisters, Jeanette (Tommy) Mizell and Betty (Paul) Ford; brother, Gerald (Theresa) McDonald; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; other relatives, and friends.

He graduated from Mobile County High School and served in the Marine Reserves for two years before joining the Navy for four years. While in the Navy he served during the Korean Conflict on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). He retired from Ingalls after 31 years and loved fishing and going out in his boat after retiring.

He enjoyed Mardi Gras and was involved for over 15 years. He and his wife, Betty, were chosen to be Emblems of the organization, and they served as President one year.

He loved most sports. He started the football program in Grand Bay and ran it for 14 years. He coached many young boys in football and baseball. He was president of Grand Bay Ballpark for 5 years and coached women’s softball team “Silk Ridge” for 5 years; they were Alabama state champions in 1974. He loved Crimson Tide and was a crazy Alabama fan. ROLL TIDE

The family will hold a private visitation and funeral service on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Serenity Funeral Home.

The service will be streamed for the public on the same day at 2 PM at serenityfuneralhome.com