Donell Brannen

Donell Brannen, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Wayne Memorial Hospital under the care of GHC Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, Donell was born on August 13, 1934 to the late Alvin Barney and Pearl Pye Brannen.  He was a member of the Jesup High School Class of 1952 where he participated in the sports program before serving his country in the United States Army for several years, working as a cryptographer alongside the 101st Airborne Division commonly known as the “Screaming Eagles.”  After returning home, Donell began a career with Norfolk Southern Railroad where he loyally worked for forty-four years until his retirement in 1996.  His work ethic was second to none and in his spare time, Donell took a second job managing the Family Apparel Manufacturing facility in Odum.  He was a loyal member of First Free Will Baptist Church for nearly sixty years where he was known for his faithfulness in attendance.  Donell was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix nearly anything.  He repaired and maintained his own vehicles and also enjoyed working with wood.  Many of his friends and family have been blessed by tables, jewelry boxes and other pieces of furniture expertly crafted by Donell.  He also enjoyed fishing, both fresh and saltwater and spending time with his beloved family.  In addition to his parents, his two brothers, Barney Lavergne Brannen and Jesse “J.E.” Brannen and three sisters, Jimmie Szoke, Marilyn Poppell and Marell Aspinwall, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of sixty three years, Patricia Martin Brannen of Jesup; three daughters, Bianca Brannen of Jesup, Lori Thiel and husband, Paul of California and JoEllen Flannery and husband, Roger of Brooklet; three sisters, Betty Harris of Brunswick, Patsy Carter and husband, James of Jesup and Sandra Edenfield of Jesup and ten grandchildren, Shannon Parks and husband, Josh, Courtney Jackson, McClain Thiel, Madelyn Thiel and Matthew, William, Katherine, Kelsey, Rachel and Jacob Flannery.  Nine great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at First Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Randy Pruitt officiating.

Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Danny Peek, Shawn Peek, Barry Brannen, Kenny Brannen, Robert Horton and Jordan Givens.

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