Calvin Benton Branning

On November 22, 2025 Calvin Benton Branning “Sonny” finished his journey over stormy Jordan and made fast to that beautiful shore that the Lord has promised His Redeemed, and he walks by sight in that glorious realm where his savior went before to prepare him a place. His savior, Christ Jesus, in whom he put all his faith and the rock of his salvation, and it was him who strengthened Sonny through to the end. Even as his day drew to a close he didn’t fear death knowing that death itself has been swallowed up in victory and even now he tastes of that victory and awaits that coming Day of the Lord where the dead in Christ shall rise.

Sonny is no longer only bound for the Promised Land but has crossed those chilly waters to God's eternal Sabbath rest. He made the other shore with a blessed peacefulness and was gathered up to his people, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him in return, because he was a man who loved well and was well loved in return. And, they loved him well as they attended to him in his final breaths, with prayers that lifted up a loving Husband, Father, Son, and Brother to the Good Graces of his loving Heavenly Father, who granted a peacefulness and beauty even in sorrow. And as he stepped out on Jordan’s far bank, he did so to hymns that called upon the name of the Lord and stirred up the heart in recollection of the good of our Sovereign Lord. He went from his loving family’s imperfect song to untold perfect praise of that great multitude of saints!

His family though they rejoice in that he rejoices now in the presence of his Savior and worships beside those loved ones who went before, they also sorrow at the loss of his presence as a fixture of strength and wisdom in their own lives - particularly felt by Cynthia his loving wife and companion of 45 years. He took to heart what God's Word has told us, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Very rarely were the two of them apart and she will feel the loss of his presence most deeply. She also lived out her love and cared for him as an exemplary wife over the last months and even harder last weeks, empowered not by strength of her own but empowered by love and faith and a strength from above.

His children Walter (wife Bruna), Zachary (wife Amber), Rebekah, Calvin (wife Madison), and Abigail and grand-children Riley, Benton, Lily, and Gabriella will also deeply miss his presence in their lives. Ever was his endeavor to first "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." He wanted his children to be a testimony of faithfulness and love for the Lord. He trained them and taught them the things most important to him, a love for the Lord, a love for the Sovereignty of God, and how to fix just about anything. They are exceedingly thankful to have a father who cared so much to teach them these things and to be such an important part of their lives, and they will miss their times of conversations over all these things, along with his wisdom and insight.

Sonny is also survived by his mother Etta who mourns the loss of her son. He will also be greatly missed by his sisters and brother-in-laws: Rosalind "Rosie" and Dennis Waltenbaugh, Carol "Kiki" and Roger Smith, and Melanie "Mimi" and Mike Taylor. They loved and respected their brother, and feel the loss of his presence yet rejoice also in his victory in Christ Jesus. As do a great number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by a Godly heritage to whom he was gathered up to, including his grandparents but of particular note, his father Calvin C. Branning. He was also preceded into the presence of Lord and even now worships beside his brother Walter Phillip Branning "BooBoo" and sister Miriam Branning Waybright "Meechie" and four children that he did not meet this side of Jordan.

The family would like to make a special acknowledgement for his daughter Abigail, who was an amazing help to her father and mother in her father's final days. She showed great strength of character and love for Sonny as he finished his mortal race.

A visitation will be held at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary, located at 1329 Wilmer Ave, Anniston, Al. 36201, on November 25, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm. Immediately following the service, there will be a graveside service for Sonny at Holly Springs Baptist Cemetery in Anniston, Alabama.