MADERA - Randall Lester Brannon, known as Randy to all who knew and loved him, was a man of unwavering faith and boundless love. Born on December 5, 1947, in Lindsay, California, to Lester and Hilda Brannon, Randy's life was marked by a commitment to his family, faith, and community. Surrounded by loved ones, Randy met his Savior on Monday, January 29, 2024, after battling Multiple Myeloma and its effects for 5.5 years.
Randy's early years in Lindsay laid the foundation for a lifetime of excellence and service. A 1966 graduate of Lindsay High School, he shined both academically and athletically as an outstanding student and basketball player. His passion for the sport continued at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, where he played for two years before transferring to the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy. There, he met his bride-to-be, Sarah Lewis (also a pharmacy student), and graduated with honors in 1972. After graduating, he began a distinguished career as a registered pharmacist, and in January of 1973, he and Sarah were wed at the UOP chapel, beginning their 51-year adventure together.
Randy's professional journey was one of dedication and compassion. He first made his mark when Hospital Pharmacies Incorporated hired him to become the pharmacy director at El Cajon Valley Hospital in San Diego, and he was later promoted to become an area director, moving him to San Jose. However, it was his calling to ministry that would define his legacy. Randy moved his family to Portland, OR, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1982 from Western Seminary, and he became an ordained minister just after graduation. In April of 1983, Randy was called to become the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Madera, where he served and led his congregation with love and wisdom for 36 years.
Pastor Randy's influence extended far beyond the walls of his church. Locally, Randy was very active in the Madera Ministerial Association, uniting area churches for the common goal of sharing the gospel. He faithfully taught the Word of God to his congregation and, even after retirement, continued his long-time teaching of men’s Bible studies, including regular teaching at the Madera Rescue Mission (where he was affectionately known as “Pastor Huggy”). He also served in churches in various parts of the world, teaching and training pastors, equipping them to spread the gospel of Jesus in their native lands. This took him to Russia, Siberia, Moldova, India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Uganda, and Egypt.
Randy was joyfully married to Sarah for 51 years and was a beloved father of four and Papa of eleven grandchildren. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Hilda Brannon, and his brother-in-law, Robert Alcorn. Randy's legacy is carried on by those who survive him: his wife Sarah; their children Rebecca (m. Aaron Genzink; c. Hannah and Leah), James (m. Brittany; c. Noah, Maxton, Kambria, Titus, & Alana), John (m. Shelby; SJ, Rory, Joshua, & Silas), and Bethany; and his sisters Cheryl (m. Robert Nelson) and Christine Alcorn.
Because of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Randy is seeing things that cannot even be imagined. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” His family rests in the hope of Christ while still mourning the loss of this wonderful man. Randy’s favorite quote is this truth: “For this I have Jesus!” This legacy will live on through his family and friends who loved him.
Visitation will be at Jay Chapel on Thursday, 2/8, 3-7 pm; Memorial Service will be at Grace Community Church, Madera, on Saturday, 2/10, at 1:00 pm. The memorial service will be live-streamed on the Grace Community Church of Madera Facebook page and at gccmadera.com