James Robert Brannon

OZARK…Mr. James Robert Brannon (Staff Sergeant, Alabama Army National Guard, Retired), a resident of Ozark, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to family, Thursday morning, March 19, 2026, at his home. He was 98.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 26, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with his grandson-in-law, Mr. Aubrey Sullivan officiating. Graveside services, with full military honors, will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Brannon was born on January 18, 1928, in Newton, Alabama, to the late Ernest Brannon and Minnie Jewel Windham Brannon. After growing up in Newton, he married his sweetheart, Margaret Herring Brannon, whom he affectionately called “Dotsy”. Together they shared an extraordinary 80 years of marriage, building a life centered around love, faith, and family.

Mr. Brannon proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corp for many years and retired from the Army National Guard after twenty plus years. Following his service, he dedicated much of his life to his work at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he faithfully served for fifty-five years and three months. Known affectionately by many as “Daddy-Rabbit,” Robert loved the people he worked with and cherished the friendships he made there. He eventually retired as one of the longest-employed inspectors at Fort Rucker.

Robert was a devoted provider and family man who believed family was one of life’s greatest blessings. He and his beloved wife Margaret were blessed with two sons, the late Jerry Brannon and Steve Brannon Sr. of Ozark.

He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Tiffany Sullivan (Aubrey) of Dothan, Stevie “Bo” Brannon Jr. of Ozark, and Stephanie Johnson (Trae) of Ozark. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Hayden Taylor (Konnor) of Dothan, Meagan Sloop (Brantley) of Dothan, and Jaxon Brannon of Ozark. He was also blessed with one great-great-grandson, Bennett Sloop, and another great-great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by three sisters, Jean Quattlebaum, Taylor, Martha Barlow, Eufaula, and Bobbie Mahaney, Newton.

Robert shared a special bond with his great-grandson Jaxon and took great joy in watching him play sports. He deeply loved his great-granddaughters and was proud to support them as they participated in many mission trips over the years.

Music brought Robert tremendous joy. He had a gift for playing the guitar and writing songs, and he even recorded an album years ago. Some of his family’s most cherished memories were made during summer trips to Nashville, where he always made sure to visit the Grand Ole Opry. He also loved traveling and spending time in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Though he will be greatly missed by those who loved him, his family finds peace in knowing he is no longer suffering and that they will see him again one day in Heaven.

In his own words from a song he wrote many years ago: “One thing I want to leave with you as my testimony here; I want you to know that the Lord’s been good to me.”