Ralph Brannum
Ralph Brannum, 80 of Kempton passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at his home. He was born on December 14, 1942 in Byrdstown, Tennessee. His mother was Dorothy Brannum. Ralph married Janet Burnette in 1963 and Janet preceded him in death on November 13, 2021.
Ralph loved cars and loved working on them. It seems like he always had a project car to tinker with. He worked as a mechanic and body man at Hankins Body Shop, Ross & Doggett and for Chevrolet and even had his own garage. Ralph was multi-talented and experienced many jobs throughout his life, but spent the bulk of his career working on cars.
He enjoyed fishing and wildlife in general and loved going to flea markets. Ralph was definitely a family man and the best times in his life were when he was with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his two daughters, Angie Harris and husband Dave, Tipton and Dalena VanMatre and husband John, Jerome; one brother, Bruce Brannum and wife Mitzy, Tipton. Grandchildren include Autumn Jacobs (Trent), Michael Billings (Alli), Samantha Billings, Jared Bradley, Eric Bradley, and Katelyn Brannum. Ralph also has three great-grandchildren, Case Bradley and Donovan Wilkerson and Mickyle Billings. Ralph was preceded in death by one son, Tony Brannum.
Visitation is scheduled on Wednesday, May 17, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home. A private family funeral and burial will take place later at Kempton Cemetery.
Memorial donations in honor of Ralph may be made to the Tipton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 237, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
Ralph was a good friend and always willing to talk about the things we had in common.
To The Brannum Family
I want to extend my sincere condolences on your loss. I’ve known Ralph and Janet for many years, as I was in the same class with Tony. It’s hard to believe that they are now together in Heaven. Ralph was always very helpful when I took my car out to West Side Auto, when he was running the place. I am sorry that I did not get over to Kempton often enough to visit after Tony’s passing in 2015. I know that a happy reunion was held when he joined Janet & Tony. May he rest in peace.
To Angie and Delena was so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. We had lots of good times with all of you. Clints not doing so good now. He is on Dialysis for four yrs. and had many surgeries on his arm .He had 2 last week and 1 yesterday. Has Dialysis today. Not in very good shape. He’s 82. I don’t know ifwe can be with you at the viewing but are hearts and prayers will be. I will see where he gets home. Love all of you . It’s hard when you don’t anyones phone numbers anymore. We still live on poplar stop in and say hello If you have time someday.Norm and Clint.