H. Ray Branum, 88, of Stuart, VA passed away on Wednesday October 1, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem surrounded by his family. Ray was born on September 24, 1937, in Lenna, OK. He was the son of Arthur James and Florence Warf Branum, both deceased.
Ray graduated from Stidham High School in Oklahoma before joining the Army. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Division at Fort Bragg, NC. During his time in the service, he met his wife of 63 years, Ruby Burroughs Branum. Ray attended Oklahoma A&M University before graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he worked for Shell Oil for six years before moving to Charlotte, NC to start his own business, Branum, Inc. which he operated for 34 years. After retirement in 2014, they moved to Stuart, VA to live on Bull Mountain one of Ray’s favorite places on earth.
Ray loved to hunt and fish and took many trips to enjoy both. He also loved to travel and see nature and the outdoors. Above all he loved spending quality time with his family.
Ray was preceded by a sister, Leatrice Sargent, and a brother Arthur James Branum. He is survived by his wife, Ruby, of the home, a son, Mike (Lisa) of St George, UT, a daughter, Audra Rickman (Tommy) of Southport, NC, grandchildren Devyn Fruge and Keegan Branum of Tucson, AZ and Grace Rickman and Bailey Rickman of Southport, NC. He will also be missed by his numerous beloved nieces and nephews and friends.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Angels, PO Box 710, Belmont, NC 28012