Henry Ezell “EZ” Branham, JR, 90

Henry Ezell “EZ” Branham, JR, age 90, transitioned to the final stage of life on August 17, 2022 at Mala Strana care home in New Prague, MN. Born on November 17, 1931 in Ridgeway, SC to Henry Ezell, SR and Lily (Nelson) Branham, he grew up on a cotton farm with his four siblings of which three have preceded him in their home going. Sister Lenora, and brothers Ivey and Donald. Also preceding him, his grandson, Tucker Niedermayer, his birthday buddy (you guys have fun together!) He is survived by his big sister Eula (Branham) Graham of Pleasant Gove, UT, his former spouse, Jean Cross and their children Matthew (Venus) Branham of Bellflower, CA, Ann (Ray) Niedermayer of New Prague, MN and Amie Branham of Carbondale, CO. Grandchildren Jessica, Jaimie, and Liza Niedermayer all of MN.

            Being part of the first graduating class of grade 12 in his community of Ridgeway, he went onto Vanderbilt University for pre-med studies and continued onto the Medical University of South Carolina graduating with a psychiatric degree in medicine. He completed his internship at University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, UT. He served in the United States Air Force following graduation. He practiced psychiatry for over 50 years from a private practice first in Stamford, CT and then in Winston-Salem, NC until retirement in 2010. He was a man who loved his work and the people he touched. He was proud to have served on a medical emergency response team, serving areas in need after disaster.

            A light hearted, easy-going man earned him his nickname of EZ, which was well fitting. Making friends everywhere he went, there was hardly a place he traveled where he didn’t either know someone or make a new friend with. He always walked with a bounce in his step and a smile upon his face. He lived life large, and took advantage of the opportunities it had to offer, especially travel, music, theater, dapper clothes, good food, and exotic cars. He had visited many places, but one of his favorite places was Yellowstone National Park, where he drove the iconic yellow tour busses in the summers of the ‘50s between studies. He loved returning there over the years with family, showing them the park, fishing for lake trout, rafting the river, and breakfast rides on horseback. A very kind, gentle, and generous man, he made life seem simple, disinterested with drama and living by the example of attending to your own business, no need to worry yourself with other’s, and leaving well enough alone.

            We are all just a bit heavier in the heart without Dr. EZ’s quick wit, friendly, lighthearted presence, pearls of wisdom and that great smile. Family is grateful to all of those who cared for him, and are thankful you touched his life along with him touching yours.