Herman "Jesse" Branson

GIBSONVILLE - Mr. Herman "Jesse" Branson, 72, 100 Sadie Lane, formerly of Graham, died at Alamance Regional Medical Center on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at 7:35 p.m. after several years of failing health.
A native of Alamance County, Jesse was the husband of Barbara T. Branson, who survives and the son of Herman Ray Branson and Nettie Ellen Shoffner Branson, both deceased. Jesse attended E.M. Holt High School, class of 1960, and went on to graduate from Elon College. He played college basketball at Elon and upon graduating was the 13th pick in the 1965 NBA draft, selected to play with the Philadelphia 76ers. He would also later play in the ABA with the New Orleans Buccaneers. After finishing his basketball career, Jesse was a successful businessman who owned and operated several textile companies and car dealerships prior to his retirement.
Jesse was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was devoted to his family and friends and in most recent years got his greatest joy from spending time with his seven grandchildren and attending Elon athletic events.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Brian Keith Branson and wife Sally; daughters, Kristi B. Bonner and husband Woody and Wendi B. Carroll and husband Clint; sister, Linda B. Clapp and husband Freddie; and seven wonderful grandchildren, Sydney, Hayes and Avery Branson, Griffin and Jackcyn Bonner and Joshua and Lacy Carroll.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Tony Ray Branson.
The funeral service will be conducted at Elon Community Church on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Graham Memorial Park.
Visitation will be at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Graham on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. At other times, the family will receive guests at the residence at 100 Sadie Lane, Gibsonville.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407 or Jesse and Barbara Branson Athletic Scholarship (Elon), 2500 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244.
Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.