James Branyon Sr.

BRANYON, James Curtis "Curt" Sr., died Thursday, November 11, 2010, in Richmond, following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1929, to Max and Madge Branyon. As a young boy in Fayette, Ala., he always thought that people were flying their flags for his birthday. It seems fitting that he died on Veteran's Day when flags were flying in honor of all veterans. He was the oldest of four brothers, all of whom loved to gather with family and friends to tell stories. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and served four years active duty. After graduation, he married Myra Connell, also from Fayette, Ala., to whom he was married for 57 years. Upon completing his active duty in the Navy, he went to work as an industrial engineer for Reynolds Metals, where he worked for 33 years until his retirement in 1991. He was active as a leader in the Boy Scouts for more than 20 years. He was the Scoutmaster at three different troops, including the founding Scoutmaster at Troop 890 in Midlothian. He was awarded the Boy Scouts' Silver Beaver award in 1987. He was a dedicated church member, teaching Sunday school, serving as treasurer, and actively participating in all aspects of the church. He was a founding member of The Brandermill Church in Midlothian and of St. Andrew by the Sea in Gulf Shores, Ala. His was a life well lived. A special thanks to the staff and residents at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center for the loving care and support provided during the past three years. He is survived by his wife, Myra Connell Branyon; their four children, Linda Harmes (Brad), Suzanne Palmer, James C. Branyon Jr. (Jan) and Jeff Branyon (Angie); his brother, Hugh and his wife, Carol; his sister-in-law, Donna Branyon; and four grandchildren, Greg and Kimberly Palmer and Drew and Kyle Branyon. A memorial service will be held at the Brandermill Church on Monday, November 22 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Pkwy., Midlothian, Va. 23112, or Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center, 1601 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, Va. 23224.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.