MYRTLE BEACH | John A. Branton, age 86 of Long Bay Estates, died Saturday July 10, 2004 at Grand Strand Health Care.

Born December 26, 1917 in Horry County, he was a son of the late John David and Jennie Hearl Branton.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 35 years, Ruth Paul

Branton; he is survived by his second wife Peggy Helms Branton of Myrtle Beach.

Mr. Branton was a Navy Veteran of WWII serving in the South Pacific aboard the USS Pringle DD477.

A life long resident of Horry County, he was a retired Restaurateur. He owned and operated Brant's of Myrtle Beach, home of the famous 19 cent burgers and shakes. He formerly owned and operated Bucksport Marina and Restaurant. He was a life long member of the Shriners, a life member of the Masonic Lodge #381 of Conway, and a member of the Omar Shrine Temple.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons Harold "Harry" Dean Branton and his wife Norma of Myrtle Beach and John Joseph "Joey" Branton and his wife Patricia of Augusta, Ga.; one sister Reba Hucks of Conway; grandchildren Harold D. Branton, Jr. and his wife, Christy, of Myrtle Beach, Susan Chopoo and her husband, Sham, of Bowie, Md. and Alice Gary and her husband Pete of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; 2 great grandchildren Julia and Pyler Chopoo and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday July 13, 2004, graveside at Hillcrest Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel on Monday from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital, P.O. Box 21028, Charleston, SC 29413, or to a charity of one's choice.

An online guest book is available at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com  or   www.MyrtleBeachOnline.com