Reflecting on the Homegoing Celebration of Brother Dr. Edward J. Braynon, Jr.
On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. came together at St. Paul AME Church in Miami, Florida, to honor the life and legacy of our esteemed Brother Grand Dr. Edward J. Braynon Jr. The church, nestled in a historically black working-class area, provided a fitting setting for a final tribute to Brother Grand Braynon.
As attendees gathered to pay their respects, the atmosphere was one of solemnity and reverence. The Range Funeral Home officiated the homegoing celebration, guiding us through a service filled with dignity and respect. Friends, family, and fraternity brothers joined in unity to celebrate the life of Brother Grand Braynon.
The community came together to honor Brother Grand Braynon’s memory with grace and dignity. Through heartfelt speeches, hymns, and prayers, we reflected on the impact Brother Grand Braynon had on our lives and the fraternity as a whole.
The Homegoing Celebration served as a poignant reminder of the bonds we share as members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. It was a time to come together, not only to mourn the loss of a beloved brother but also to celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind.
As we bid farewell to Brother Grand Dr. Edward J. Braynon Jr., we do so with gratitude for the time we shared and the memories we hold dear. May his spirit continue to inspire and guide us in the days ahead, as we strive to uphold the principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift that he embodied throughout his life.
About Bro. Dr. Edward J. Braynon, Jr.
Born on January 15, 1928, in Miami’s historic Railroad Shop area, Braynon’s life journey was marked by a profound dedication to service, leadership, and forward-thinking vision.
His academic journey commenced with remarkable achievement, graduating with honors from Booker T. Washington High School at the remarkable age of 16 in 1944. Continuing his pursuit of education, he enrolled at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. At Fisk, Braynon distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He was a valued member of the track team and contributed his talents to the Fisk Dance Band, where he played trumpet and held the role of band manager.
In 1945, during his second semester at Fisk, Braynon’s commitment to service and brotherhood was solidified when he was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Eta Psi Chapter, setting the stage for a lifelong journey of camaraderie and dedication. Transferring to Howard University in Washington, D.C., Braynon completed his undergraduate studies in biology and went on to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard’s School of Dentistry in 1954.
Braynon’s commitment to community service extended beyond academia. He served as a commissioned dental officer in the U.S. Air Force, displaying his unwavering dedication to his country and his profession.
Throughout his life, Braynon’s leadership within various spheres was exemplary. From serving as Basileus of Sigma Alpha chapter in Miami, Florida, from 1958 to 1963 to ultimately ascending to the position of Grand Basileus within the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, his impact was profound and far-reaching.
Outside of his fraternity and military service, Braynon remained deeply engaged in his community. A lifelong member of St. Paul A.M.E Church in Miami, he actively participated on the Steward Board and chaired the scholarship committee. Additionally, his involvement in organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Young Men’s Christian Academy (YMCA), and the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, underscored his commitment to uplifting those around him.
Braynon’s contributions did not go unnoticed. He was honored as one of South Florida’s Living Legends by the Miami Herald in 1992 and featured among the 100 Most Influential Black Americans by Ebony magazine. Throughout his lifetime, Braynon accrued numerous accolades, including keys to cities, commendations, proclamations, plaques, and certificates, testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and service.
Dr. Braynon’s legacy of community involvement and leadership will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.
He is survived by his children Edward and Keith Braynon, grandson Kobe Braynon, and a host of family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.
