Joseph Brannon "Joe", 81, departed this earthly life peacefully on March 6, 2016 after a yearlong battle with a malignant brain tumor. A prayerful warrior, he faced his illness head-on with faith, courage, dignity, and grace. His determination and vibrancy touched the hearts and minds of the many who attended to him, reawakening hope and illuminating what truly matters - goodness and mercy.

Joseph was the last surviving of six children born to the late William "Will" and Millie Nicholson Brannon. A lifelong resident of Winston-Salem, NC, he graduated from Carver High School in 1955 and later completed his Electrical Engineering studies at Forsyth Technical Community College (nee Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Industrial Education Center).

Employed by Twin City Electrical Contracting (Gadson Electric) for many years, Joseph did electrical wiring of buildings and construction throughout the Piedmont Triad. He later joined R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, where he worked as an Electrical Technician, retiring in 1999 after 23 years of service. He served his profession with integrity and a strong sense of work ethic, recognized at RJRT with a Perfect Attendance award in appreciation for his dedication. Post retirement, Joseph ventured into real estate, providing affordable houses to families within the east Winston community.

"Pray Hard", his spiritual anthem, which he often trumpeted across the church inspiring the congregation, underscored his sincere devotion to Christ and his teachings. He was a faithful member of Goler Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church where he served as a Trustee, taught Men's Sunday School, was a member of the Men's Choir, and formerly headed the Men's Ministry. He was a former member of Canaan Baptist Missionary Church where his brother, Reverend W.E. Brannon, was pastor. At Canaan, he was Chairman of the Deacon Board, a Sunday School teacher, and member of the Steward Board. Beyond his services within the church, he touched the lives and hearts of countless others through his charitable contributions of time, experience, and resources to help uplift and advance the community.

Joseph loved the outdoors and sharing time with his family and friends - fishing at local lakes and the NC Outer Banks, attending music festivals and cultural events, gardening and landscaping, and simple backyard cookouts. He was Horseshoe Pitching enthusiast, known throughout the city as "Champ" for his formidable "Round House Pitch".

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Allison Von Brannon and Rhonda Brannon Scales; four brothers, Samuel, Dr. Reverend William E. (Buck), Allen "Jay", and Benjamin Brannon; two sisters, Edna Gray and Frieda Clark; and a beloved aunt, Virgie Nicholson McDowell.

He leaves to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy, a devoted wife of 59 years, Vonetta Wheeler Brannon "Peggy"; daughter, Anita "Nita" Brannon Phillips (Percy); son, Joseph "Jojo" Brannon, Jr.; five grandchildren, Jade and Shelby Phillips, Asia Bradley, Dataja Brannon, and Cory Scales; one great-grandchild, Aiko Stowell; brother-in-law, Oliver Wheeler; sisters-in-law, Montana Davis, Fannie Peeple, Willa Mae Brannon, and Carolyn Brannon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church with Rev. Dr. George Banks officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm Thursday at the Church.

A sincere, heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful friends, family, church family, employers, and coworkers, for your prayers, comforting expressions, understanding, support, respect for privacy, and acts kindness over the past year. Our enduring gratitude is extended to the capable, attentive, and caring medical practitioners, therapists, staff, and volunteers of Novant Health Oncology, Neurosciences, Radiation, ICU, Whitaker Rehabilitation Center, and the Palliative Care Unit; the Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center; Trinity Glen Skilled Nursing; Advance Home Health Care; and Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. All is well.