Beau Robert Allen Branscum

Beau Robert Allen Branscum, 17, of Gosnell, passed from this life Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at his home.

Beau was born in Memphis and lived most of his life in the Paragould and surrounding area. Beau was a junior at Gosnell High School and of the Protestant faith.

Beau was a student of karate and enjoyed playing basketball. He also had a love for music and spending time on the computer. He was described by relatives and friends as a "good kid" who when given respect, would return it in abundance and when people displayed friendship, it was returned with a tenaciousness that was hard to measure except to know he would be loyal and devoted. Most importantly, he knew what real love was all about. More than just a spoken word, to Beau, it was a deep seated emotion, a rare treasure that draws you close to individuals and family, which would allow him to give more love than he would receive. Beau was a young man who fought battle after battle with the same courageous spirit that will inspire others who will take the time to look back and reflect upon this young man's life. To see him not as an old man with years and years of wisdom and experience but rather a young teenage person in search of friendship, respect and love, but a "good kid" subject to mistakes of inexperience. He will be remembered for a smile that was genuine, a laugh that was contagious and to give more than he received.

The family wishes to thank Gosnell High School personnel who helped Beau along the way, the Youth Home Inc. of Little Rock, Beth Butler, Dentron and Mr. P.G. and the team at Arkansas Counseling, Mrs. Summers and Mr. Bradley.

Beau was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Peggy Jo Branscum; and grandfather, Robert A. Branscum.

Beau is survived by his sister, Chelsea Branscum of Cabot;

A brother, Bradley Gilkey of Jonesboro;

His grandmother, "MawMaw," Carolyn Smith Branscum of Gosnell;

His great-grandmother, May Dean Godsey Smith of Jonesboro;

A step-brother, Dylan Gatewood, of Paragould;

His uncles and aunts, Robert S. and Cheryl Branscum and Kaitlyn Branscum, all of Cabot, Charlie Branscum of Blytheville, Linda (Branscum) and Ervel Harvison of Blytheville, Charlie and Julie Smith of Sarasota, Fla., and Joe and Peggy George of Jonesboro.

A graveside service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Elmwood Cemetery with Father Tom Marks officiating. The family will receive friends from 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Cobb Funeral Home. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Robert Branscum, Chase Smith, Cody Lively, Ben Forbs, Mike Freligh, Bradley Jackson, Tommy Hutto and Aaron Bealer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Blytheville Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family on the register book at cobbfuneralhome.com