Dr. Richard Samuel "Dick" Bransford, age 81, of Boone, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022, at his home.

He was born September 3, 1940, in Long Beach, California. A son of the late Richard and Rubye Bransford.  Dick loved the Lord Jesus and served with his family 36 years in Africa as a missionary surgeon. He lovingly cared for his patients with a heart of compassion. His greatest desire was to meet the needs of neglected and disabled children. He never hesitated to go to some of the most dangerous and hard to reach places to provide medical care to the most marginalized populations. Even after retirement to Boone, NC in 2011 he continued to travel to Africa multiple times a year to train surgeons and served on many Samaritan's Purse emergency response teams all over the world. Many of Dick's children and grandchildren share his same passion to serve the neediest like Jesus did and share the Hope of His Gospel. His vision will continue through the many medical professionals he intentionally mentored during his life. Though he will be greatly missed, he is now with his Savior, the Lord Jesus, and reunited with many of the kids he loved and cared for sacrificially.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Millie, of 57 years, older brother, Jack Bransford, Son, Chris Bransford and wife, Rebekah and sons, Levi, Nate, Caleb and Joshua, Son, Rick Bransford and wife, Joy and children Kezia, Ben, Gabes, Ethan and Poppy, Daughter, Bethany and husband Edward Densham and children, Kyran and Alessandra. Son, Jon Bransford and wife, Jeni, and children Graci, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, Daughter, Susan "Kat" and husband Tom Davis, and children Kara, Calvin, Summer, and Zach, Sons, Joshua, and Philip Bransford.

A memorial service will be conducted Friday July 29, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Alliance Bible Fellowship. The family will receive following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethany Kids at www.bethanykids.org

The service will be livestreamed at: https://abfboone.online.church/

Online condolences may be sent to the Bransford family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.