George Branham III

George Branham III is renowned for being the first African American to win a major Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) title and for being one of the few men of color in professional bowling.

He was born on November 21, 1962 in Detroit, Michigan and began bowling at an early age. His passion for the sport continued throughout his life – eventually leading him to professional status where he retired in 2003 after 25 years of competition.

Early Life and Education

George Branham, born in Detroit, Michigan and raised with bowling as his main sport, developed his skills through playing in local leagues and quickly rose to become one of the top players of his era.

At 24 years old, he joined the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and soon after became its first African American to win a PBA title. Rolling 23 games with an incredible 300 score earned him $747,138 in prize money!

He rose to become a prominent figure in Christianity, and was renowned for his healing ministry. He held numerous major conferences around the globe, praying for thousands of people.

Professional Career

George Branham III is renowned as the first African American to win a major Professional Bowlers Association title. Born November 21st 1962 in Detroit, Michigan, George achieved this distinction during his amateur career.

His father was an enthusiastic bowler who began teaching his son the sport at age 6. At that point, they moved to San Fernando Valley, California and attended Polytechnic High School there.

Following graduation, he chose to dedicate himself entirely to bowling, working in bowling alleys and participating in leagues. By 1985 he had achieved professional status as a competitive bowler.

He enjoyed a remarkable career, winning several major tournaments. He made history as the first African American to win both a Professional Basketball Association title and Firestone Tournament of Champions.

Achievements and Honors

In 1918, Bradford earned a Victoria Cross (VC) for his bravery during the First World War. As the youngest brother among three brothers – Thomas Andrews, James Barker and Roland Bradford – who also served in the military, Bradford received recognition.

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award for gallantry that can be given to British and Commonwealth forces in battle. His VC is proudly displayed at Imperial War Museum’s Lord Ashcroft Gallery in London.

George was a man of quick wit and great sense of humor who had an immense love for others. Together with his wife Linda, he works as welfare specialists in Provo’s Riverbottoms neighborhood, providing advice on employment opportunities and educational pursuits.

Personal Life

George Branham III is a retired professional bowler, having began his career in 1984 and retired at the end of the 2003 season.

He was raised in Southern California and began bowling at the age of six. His father introduced him to the sport, and it has been an ongoing passion ever since. Growing up competitively was in his blood; learning how to tackle challenges head-on quickly proved beneficial to his success as a bowler.

As a professional bowler, his mission was to win every tournament he entered. He achieved this in several events and became the first African American to win a PBA championship.

Branham dedicated his life to spreading the gospel. He held prayer meetings for sick people and encouraged people to trust in Christ. As a popular speaker, Branham often led people to conversion. Additionally, during some of his sermons he performed healings as part of his ministry.

Net Worth

As of 2023, George Branham III is estimated to have a net worth of $5 Million. This impressive sum is astounding for someone who has only been active in the industry for a short period of time.

He is a professional ten-pin bowler who has won several PBA Tour titles and the Tournament of Champions, setting the record as being the first African American to win a PBA Tour title.

He is currently employed as a truck driver for Pepsi in Indianapolis and his work recently decided to honor his success by hanging posters and other memorabilia from his bowling career. They even had an authentic baseball-style bowling card featuring his picture on it – an unexpected delight that filled him with gratitude.