John Richardson “Rich” Brannon

Mr. John Richardson “Rich” Brannon, 74, of Gainesville passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2022, in the Chapel of Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. Dr. Bill Coates, Mr. Hammond Law and Mr. Paul Christensen will officiate. The family will receive friends at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until the service hour.     

Rich was born on January 20, 1948, in Gainesville where he lived his whole life. He was the son of the late E.C. Brannon, Jr. and the late Grace Thomas Brannon. He proudly attended Gainesville High School where he always supported the Red Elephants and was a season ticket holder to the football games.  He served in the US Marine Corp in the early seventies; trained at Parris Island, SC and received medals for his shooting skills.

Rich graduated from the University of Georgia and then attended law school in Atlanta at what is now John Marshall School of Law, passing the bar exam six months before graduation.  He was a very successful criminal attorney and traveled to many states and different countries to practice law. He was very proud of making two trips to Iraq and defending two marines. He joined martial arts to be able to defend himself before going to Iraq and earned his Black Belt. He participated in and taught at the Jerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Jackson Hole, WY for several years.

Rich was very proud of the fact that her got held in contempt of court several times in the defense of his clients. Rich was recognized as one of the 100 best criminal defense attorneys in the United States for several years.

Rich learned to fly airplanes, rode motorcycles all of his life and zip-lined at age 69. His whole life was an adrenalin rush and he loved every minute that way.

His peaceful times were horse shows and riding with his two daughters, Ashley and Allyson. He took them four-wheeling, deer hunting and trout fishing. He loved them deeply.  Finally he found his soulmate Holly Philyaw. His words were “I married her quickly before she could escape.” He also loved deer hunting, dune buggies, fishing and just relaxing.

Best of all he loved playing with his grandchildren. He relished all their sweetness and tried to make every event. He cherished deer hunting and hog hunting with Bryson and hanging out with Ave Grace and Emma. They all loved their “Boppa.

He loved his trips to St. Simons Island with the Family and loved all his friends deeply.

Rich wrote this before he went to heaven to see Brayden-

“As I leave this world I will quote from my longest friend” John Allen Nivens. “The only thing in life that is not over-rated is Grandchildren.”

I lived a long exciting adrenalin pumping life until age 70. I did it ALL! Just like I told my mother I would, and I have. And, I have skidded into home base with Jesus and I am at peace with the world.

In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, known as “Boppa and Mom” E.C. Brannon, Sr. and Irene Brannon and grandson, Brayden Philyaw.

Mr. Brannon is survived by his wife, Holly Philyaw Brannon; daughters, Ashley Brannon Cooper (Todd), Allyson Brannon Norton (Tyler); stepsons, Chad Philyaw (Yvette), Zach Philyaw (Miranda); grandchildren, Ava Grace Cooper, Emma Cooper, Cashen Philyaw, Bennett Topps, Byrson Philyaw, Aiden Norton and great grandchildren, Rylee Philyaw and Relic Topps; brother and sister in law, Tommy and Jean Brannon and a number of other loving relatives.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Brayden Philyaw Athletic Fund, c/o United Community Bank.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

For viewing on livestream https://www.facebook.com/MemRiversideNorth