He was born Dec. 8, 1942. He was a retired commercial refrigeration technician and had been employed by Coca-Cola bottling.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eager Branson; his father-in-law, Arthur Shell; and his nephew, Daniel R. Bolin Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Sharon Shell Branson, Speedwell, Tenn.; a daughter, Tracey Southerland and husband, Charlie, Knoxville, Tenn.; his mother, Christeen Price Branson, Harlan; three sisters: Anne Keene and husband, Gene, Harrogate, Tenn.; Mary Elizabeth Sharp, Columbus, Ga.; and Faye Adams and husband, Roy, Harlan; three brothers: Bobby Earl Branson, Harlan; Claude Branson and wife, Krystal, Winchester; and Tim Branson and wife, Joanne, Harlan; mother-in-law, Thelma Turner, Speedwell, Tenn.; a brother-in-law, Randy Shell and wife, Debbie, Speedwell, Tenn.; sisters-in-law; Sheila Bearden and husband, Bruce, Corbin; and Donna Hatfield and husband, Bill, Middlesboro; nieces and nephews: Bryan, Sandy, Todd and Kevin Branson Adams; Gloria Sue Branson; and Chrissy, Bradley and Wesley Branson, all of Harlan; Whitney Branson, Winchester; Laura Teague and Matt Keene, Williamsburg; Lonnie and John Smith, Columbus, Ga.; Curtis Jones, Hainesville, Ga.; Cindy Stephens, Williamsburg; Jonathan and Jeremy Bolin, Corbin; and Brandon, Amanda and Kayla Hatfield, Middlesboro; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, special friends and business associates.

Visitation will be held today at Reece Funeral Home and Valley Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted today at 8 p.m. at the Reece Valley Chapel.

Graveside services will be Friday at 11 a.m. in the Branson Family Cemetery.