Deputy lost battle with cancer yesterday.

**ex401mp** · 11-22-07, 07:48 PM

Maj. Branscome was a really good guy. He worked his way up through the ranks, and was very well liked by all of us here.

RIP!!!!! You will definately be missed by us here.

Friends remember CCSO major

(Last updated: November 22, 2007 5:16 PM)

By
NEIL HUGHES
Staff Writer
No one can say for sure how many lives Maj. Terry Branscome saved.
Those on the street who are sworn to serve and protect learned much of their craft from Branscome, through his work as an instructor in firearms and combat at the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
And as the 54-year-old, in his professional life, taught deputies how to fight, he also battled in his personal life — in a yearlong struggle against pancreatic cancer.
Branscome lost his hard-fought battle Wednesday, one day before Thanksgiving.
Friends and colleagues of Branscome remembered him Thursday as a loving family man, a hard worker and a great person.
Lt. Mark Bala, a friend of Branscome's for more than 30 years, called him a "warrior" in his struggle with pancreatic cancer, which carries a low survival rate. Before they joined the CCSO in 1982, Branscome and Bala worked together for about five years in the Punta Gorda Police Department.
"He hung in there and gave a good fight," Bala said. "He didn't give up. And that's what he would preach to anyone else in law enforcement — don't give up, don't quit."
Branscome's colleagues are taking that advice to heart in the wake of his death. They're organizing a "Run and Gun" fundraiser for Dec. 8 at the CCSO training center, 25500 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, to raise money for college for Branscome's 15-year-old daughter, Katrina.
Donations will be accepted at the event, which begins at 7 a.m. It will feature members of the CCSO competing in various challenges, in addition to a bake sale, a chili cook-off, kids' games and more.
Sgt. Brian Harrison said the fundraiser is to fulfill the last wish of Branscome.
"The only thing that Terry asked for is Katrina be taken care of, because she's his last child," Harrison said.
Harrison knew Branscome for more than 15 years. They worked together for about five years in the CCSO training division.
In the weeks before his death, Branscome was fortunate enough to experience two milestones in his life.
Five weeks ago, his other daughter, Jennifer, who is in the U.S. Air Force, was married in Alaska.
Branscome got to walk his daughter down the aisle.
"We've got pictures of him from five weeks ago and he looked healthy. We thought he had beaten this pancreatic cancer," Harrison said. "He had a smile on his face in every one of those pictures, dancing with his daughter."
Then about two and a half weeks ago, Branscome was promoted to major. Sheriff John Davenport and members of command and staff went to his Punta Gorda home for an official ceremony.
Branscome is survived by his wife, Gayle, and four children. Arrangements are being made through Kays-Ponger Funeral Home in Punta Gorda. A viewing is scheduled for Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Donations can be made to the Katrina Branscome Education Fund through the Fun and Gun fundraiser on Dec. 8.
Having trained officers for 15 years, Branscome touched the lives of many in the CCSO, Bala said. "The leadership and the skills he had set the example for the people at the Sheriff's Office," he said, "both in law enforcement and in personal lives." You can e-mail Neil Hughes at nhughes@sun-herald.com.

**Hannah87** · 11-22-07, 07:58 PM

RIP

**iso607** · 11-22-07, 07:59 PM

Rest in peace brother.

Thoughts and prayers enroute to family and Dept.

**lewisipso** · 11-22-07, 08:59 PM

Rest easy.

**kjlaw** · 11-22-07, 09:13 PM

Rest easy Brother. my thoughts and prayers enroute to the family and friends.

**PapaBear** · 11-22-07, 09:37 PM

God bless you Maj. Branscome, RIP. Another soldier for St Michael to watch over the brethren. Thank you for your service and dedication!

**Willowdared** · 11-22-07, 09:48 PM

Thoughts and prayers enroute to his family and his department.

**hush29** · 11-23-07, 01:13 AM

Rest in peace brother.

**Ducky** · 11-23-07, 01:47 AM

Rest easy.

**Jenna** · 11-23-07, 03:46 AM

Rest in peace.

**armsmaster270** · 11-23-07, 05:42 AM

Rest in Peace

**213th** · 11-23-07, 05:57 AM

Rest in peace and may your family find some comfort in knowing that you served your state well.

On a side note...I noticed his daughter is or was up here, I wonder if I should look her up...?

**BigDawg** · 11-23-07, 07:15 AM

RIP my Brother

**Illiy** · 11-23-07, 11:53 AM

RIP

**Wolven** · 11-23-07, 07:02 PM

Thanks for posting ex401mp. Maj Branscome was truly a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. He as the type of officer and man that everyone liked...very personable, very supportive and never once did I ever know him to speak badly of anyone. He was a good supporter during my academy time...cheered me on to beat the guys for top gun...helped me become an FTO and was ever eager to talk about guns.

I will truly miss him. I am just sad he went so soon.

I think out of all the funerals I have attended as part of honor guard, this one will be the hardest. RIP Maj Branscome...