Obituary of Thomas Dawson Branan

Branan, Thomas Dawson, 67 Ocala - Thomas Dawson Branan, 67, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2011 at the Estelle Hospice House in Ocala. Tom was born in Ocala and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Ocala High School, Class of 1961. Tom graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Agronomy and was a life-loyal member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduation, Tom joined his father at Florida Seed and Feed Company, eventually becoming President and General Manager. He was also President of the Florida Seedmen and Garden Supply Association and Vice President of the Southern Seedmen Association. After Florida Seed and Feed was sold, Tom owned Branan Associates, a photography studio and advertising agency. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church having served as chairman of the Staff Parish Relations and the Radio/TV Ministry. He was Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Ocala and Past Lieutenant Governor of the Ocala District. He was also a member of the Ocala Elks Club and the Gator Quarterback Club. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Ellen Branan of Ocala, his daughter, Emily McClellan of Palm City, FL, his son Mark Branan and wife Sarah of Greenville, SC, his brother Bill Branan, of Ozello, FL, and grandchildren Maddy McClellan, Mackenzie McClellan, Grace Branan, and David Branan. There will be a memorial service celebrating Tom's life on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 1:00 at First United Methodist Church in Ocala followed by a reception at the Ocala Elks Club. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the First United Methodist Church Television Ministry (1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470) or the Camp Kiwanis Foundation (P. O. Box 682, Ocala, Florida 34478). Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL