David L. "Dave" Branson

David L. (Dave) Branson, 67, of Kingsport, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Holston Valley Medical Center. A native of Russell County, VA, he was a graduate of Castlewood High School and Virginia Highlands Community College. After retiring from a career in the mobile home retail business, he pursued his love of farming. Dave was the youngest child of Robert Ray and Emma Holbrook Branson. He was a member of the Kingsport Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he had many friends. Dave was a Gideon (East Camp) for 30 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Bernice Branson Taylor and Nannie Branson Smith; brother, Billy Ray Branson; one niece; three nephews; and father and mother-in-law, Elmer T. and Margaret R. Osborne.

Dave is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Becki) Osborne Branson, of the home; one son, Darby L. Branson; grandson, Dylan L. Branson; both of Kingsport; sister, Thelma B. Couch of Pennington Gap, VA; brother, Kirk Branson of Kingsport; brothers and sisters-in-law, Pam and Gary Kellner of Annapolis, MD, Jeannie and George Bellamy of Castlewood, VA, Annette Fields of Castlewood, VA; Elmer (Jim) and Deena Osborne, of Coeburn, VA, Rebecca Neff Branson of Wytheville, VA; several nieces and nephews; lifelong friend, Michael (Sheila) Jessee; “adopted son”, Rob (Andria) Murphy; and his faithful farm helper, Dawson.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor David Ryder officiating.

Dave’s desire was to be buried on his Mill Creek Farm. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 481 Mill Creek Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664. Those attending are encouraged to wear casual clothing and shoes.

Pallbearers will be William “Buzz” Smith, Rob Murphy, Daniel Lane, William Thomas Fields, Elliott Kellner, and John Thomas Osborne. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry T. Shaffer, Wayne King, Mark Rush, Michael Jessee, Larry Hall, and Elmer T. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.