Melvin A. “Rass” Branham, age 81, of Gowen, passed on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at United Memorial Hospital. He was born on March 2, 1931 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the son of Hobart & Mary (Hall) Branham. On May 20, 1967, he married the former Loretta Sizemore and she survives in addition to 3 daughters, Brenda Craigmyle of Grand Rapids, Tina Hansen of Cedar Springs, Teresa Branham of Sevierville, Tennessee; 5 sons, Robert (Marty) Jackson of Cedar Springs, Verne & Barb Branham of Cedar Springs, Tom & Christina Branham of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Robert (Bobby) Branham of Grand Rapids and Melvin (MJ) Branham of Sevierville, Tennessee; plus 20 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Nadine & Tommy Bagwell of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews including Pam & Craig Bilski, Karen Holmes, Rita Holmes and Gay (Starr) Holmes. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A longtime resident of the Cedar Springs area, Melvin was a retired tool & die worker. In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday March 2 at Noon. Cedar Creek Community Church, 2969 14 Mile Rd., Sparta. There will be no visitation held. The Simpson Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Branham family with care and compassion. To leave an online message of condolence, please go to www.simpsonfamilyfuneralhomes.com