Philip Lanier Branson, III

Philip Lanier Branson, III, 59, of Dawsonville passed away Saturday February 2, 2013 at Northside Hospital following a short illness.

Born November 19, 1953 in Atlanta, GA, he had lived in Dawson County for the past 15 years. Mr. Branson received his Masters Degree in Political Science from Appalachian State University and was a beloved teacher and dedicated to his work in the Special Education Department at Riverview Middle School. He coached Soccer at Riverview and refereed Soccer for Dawson County Park and Rec. for many years. Philip was preceded in death by his father, Philip L. Branson, Jr.

Surviving are his wife of 21 years, Laura Branson, Dawsonville; children, John Branson, Dawsonville, Luke Branson, Dawsonville LauraAnne Branson, Dawsonville, Vanessa Branson Kuennen, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Julian Wright Branson, Ft. Walton Beach; mother, Catharine Branson, Destin, FL; sisters, Kate Branson Dorland, Mobile, AL, Peggy Branson Dibble, Destin, FL; granddaughters, Delaney Kuennen, Mylie Kuennen.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 2 o'clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends Monday from 5 until 8 and Tuesday from 1 until 2 at the funeral home.

The family requests donations be made for the education of his children and may be sent to the, Branson Educational Fund, P. O. Box 185, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.