Darby Branson

Darby L. Branson, 49, of Kingsport, TN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 4th, at Johnson City Medical Center. Born in Wise, VA, he spent most of his life in Kingsport. He was a 1994 graduate of Sullivan South High School. Following in his father’s footsteps, he quickly established a mobile home setup business and went straight to work.

Darby was always up for a challenge and pursued many different interests and hobbies throughout his life. He was an outdoorsman from early on, with a deep love for nature and a passion for spending time outside. He appreciated all of God’s creations—from snorkeling in the Caribbean, to fishing in Canada, to hiking the mountains—he loved it all.

Darby will be greatly missed by a large and loving family. His passing has left a void that can never be filled.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:1–3

Darby was preceded in death by his father, David L. Branson; maternal grandparents, Elmer T. and Margaret Ramsey Osborne; paternal grandparents, Ray and Emma Branson; and his favorite uncle, Elmer T. “Jim” Osborne.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Frankie Branson; son, Dylan L. Branson; and mother, Rebecca L. “Becki” Branson. He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Pam and Gary Kellner, Jeannie and George Bellamy, Annette Fields, Thelma Couch, and Kirk Branson. In addition, he leaves behind several great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who will carry his memory in their hearts.

Pallbearers: Elliott Kellner, John Thomas Osborne, William Thomas Osborne, Daniel Lane, Tony Branson, and Jeff Branson.

Honorary Pallbearers: Beth Osborne, Sara Fields, Stephanie Kellner, Missy Bellamy, Heidi Perrigan, Krystal Osborn, Phoenix Ellis, Heather Fleenor, Linda Murray, and Andria Murphy.

Services will be held at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, at 117 E. Charlemont Ave., Kingsport. A public visitation will take place on September 9th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a funeral ceremony at 7:00 PM.

For the burial, the family will meet at Hamlett-Dobson at 1:00 PM on September 10th, with a procession to Baxter Cemetery at Branson Farms, located at 481 Mill Creek Rd.