William Eugene Branon

Branon Yadkinville- Mr. William Eugene "Gene" Branon, Sr., of Eisenhower Street passed away peacefully Monday, March 31, 2014 at Yadkin Valley Community Hospital, while surrounded by his loving family. "Gene" as he was lovingly known, was born August 13, 1940 in Forsyth County to the late William Samuel and Myrtle Young Branon. He lived a life of service to others and was always trying to improve life for the community. In his earlier years, Mr. Branon earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America, and was an American Legion baseball player. He became a faithful member of Yadkinville Volunteer Fire Department where he served the Department over 40 years. While a member he served as a Fire Instructor, Fire Marshal, Assistant Fire Chief, and Fire Chief. He was a driving force for Yadkin County E.M.T. Certification of members. Gene was a leader of Troop 655 Boy Scouts of America, baseball coach for the Yadkinville Cardinals, founding and active member of Maplewood Baptist Church, and served as a Commissioner for the Town of Yadkinville several terms. He retired with 35 years of service from Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corporation, now known as YadTel, and was a pilot for mission "Angel Flight". In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Ken Norman, and by his grandson, "Little Bean" Branon. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Chiquita Smith Branon, of the home; children, Julia Norman, William Eugene "Gene" Branon, Jr., John (Heather) Branon, Megan (David) Vogler, Isaac Branon; Step-children, Wesly (Yulanda) Turner, Allison (Brian) Longworth; grandchildren, Kerry Norman, Krendle (PFC William G.) Watts, Lillian Vogler, Lucas Vogler, Lorelei Vogler, Chase Branon, Elin Branon, Sumer Longworth, Amber (Chris) Jackson, Brandon Smallwood; and great-grandchild, Austin Smallwood. The family will receive friends from 6-9 PM Friday, April 4, 2014 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. His funeral service will be 3:00 PM Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Peace Haven Baptist Church by Rev. Jimmy Lancaster, Rev. Jon Bowman, and Gordon May. Burial with honors will follow in Yadkin Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Education Fund of Isaac Branon, c/o Capital Bank, PO Box 2149, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Branon Family.