I 'met' Raymond late in life and only thru our e-mail conversations when I was researching his father and the Brannen family. For me it was one of the most rewarding friendships of my seven years of research of the family. He was an interesting man with a life well lived. I will miss him.

Bruce Brannen, Ottawa

Deb and family- I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of both of your parents. I will forever hold dear the memories of them from my childhood and teen years. Their Godly example made a lasting impression on my life and so many others. Sending love and prayers!

Trisha (Keesey)

My family very much loved Pastor and Helen. They were both such beautiful examples of love and kindness and people you could always count on to share insights, lean on for strength and teach you the Bible and about God. I am blessed to have known them and to call them my friend. Diane Kirman and family.

As I thought about writing this I thought of the verse in II Timothy 4:7 Paul writes to Timothy "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. This is true of Pastor Brannen as he ministered all those years. I had the privilege of serving with him for some 25 years at Garden City Chapel. Becky just said that Mema and Pop Pop always gave me and Eric cookies and juice after church. We have many good memories and one even comes to me when we went to Long Beach Island and I was going home and kept going around the circle heading back and finally Pastor Brannen got out and directed me so I didn't go around the circle again. Rest in peace and being reunited with Mrs. Brannen.

Love The Smith's

Dad I hope you knew how much I loved you. You were a wonderful father and such a godly example.Your love for the Lord and for mom was beyond measure. You are now in heaven with God and mom and I know that’s where you wanted to be. I will miss you very much but thank you for being the example that you were to our family.

Dad I will miss you and your example of a loving caring father. I could always count on you to be there for me. These last few years were hard on you , I wish I could have made them easier. You are in heaven now with mom and that gives me some peace. You were a brave good man and I hope to be a good father like you were to me. Thanks dad I love you.