Birth Date: 07/18/1938
Deceased Date: 09/27/2020
Phinis was born on July 18, 1938, in Wayland, Kentucky to the late Willard and Gracie (Martin) Branham. He was the youngest of 14 children and was preceded in death by his siblings.
Phinis was a 1957 graduate of Aracoma High School, Logan, WV., where he was an outstanding athlete. The newspaper often recognized the team as “Phinis Branham and Company.” It was documented “Branham one of the highest-scoring players to wear the green and white of Aracoma, almost single-handedly turned the tide in a close game, as he swished the cords for 45 points.” One of Phinis favorite memories was the time he scored over 60 points in a single game; he often said, “I came along too soon.” On July 18, 2003, Aracoma High School Enshrined the name of Phinis Branham to the Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Athletic Program of Aracoma High School.
Phinis began his work career at a young age, working in a hospital, coal mines, and other numerous jobs. He moved to Gary, Indiana in the late sixties. Upon his arrival to Gary, Phinis secured a job with The Budd Company and continued his education at Indiana University Bloomington in Leadership and Communications. His education/ training led him to be a Union Steward (UAW) at The Budd Company. After retiring from The Budd Company he pursued a second career as a Correction Officer with The Indiana Department of Corrections: Indiana State Prison, retiring in 1998.
In October 2000 Phinis and his wife Jackie moved to Smithfield, NC., shortly thereafter, he joined First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. William A. Headd. Always an advocate for children and the elderly, Phinis believed in giving back and helping others. He volunteered and made donations to many charitable organizations. Up until the decline of his health, he delivered meals to the sick and shut-in.
Phinis is survived by his devoted wife, Jackie; his sons, Phil (Karen) Branham, Darryle (Michelle) Branham, Kirk, and Michael; and his daughters, Grace (Perry) Briggs, Vanessa (Calvin) Washington, and Debra (Carl) Dean. He also leaves a very special love, a young lady that was his heart, his grand-daughter, Jessica, that he affectionately called “little momma”; his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Graveside Service:
Friday, October 02
1:00 PM
Highland Memory Gardens
42 Highland Memory Lane
Chapmanville, WV 25508
Please visit www.rlsandersfuneralhome.net to leave condolences.
