Richard “Dick” Bransford

Richard “Dick” Bransford was born and raised in Lonoke, Arkansas. Mr. Bransford and his son, Rick, have farmed 3,000 acres, growing cotton, rice, wheat and soybeans. Mr. Bransford earned a degree in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas in 1951 and planted his first crop in 1952. Mr. Bransford’s family has been involved in ginning since the early 1900s. His family gin was acquired by Pettus Gin Company, where he has served as president. Mr. Bransford has served the agriculture community in many capacities. Just a few of his many activities were service as president of Lonoke County Farm Bureau, president of the Lonoke Grain Dryer board and both president and treasurer of the Southern Ginners Association. He was a delegate to the National Cotton Council for 13 years, trustee for the Southern Ginners Foundation and the Oscar Johnson Cotton Foundation. His family has been honored as the “Lonoke County Farm Family of the Year,” “East Central District Farm Family of the Year” and the “1995 State Farm Family of the Year.” Mr. Bransford has also served his state and community on the Lonoke School Board, Lonoke City Council, the board of directors of First State Bank in Lonoke and the Lonoke Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Bransford and his wife were awarded the “Governor’s Volunteer Excellence Award.” He has long been a member and has served as deacon and chairman of the board of the Lonoke Baptist Church.