John Brandon

John Franklin Brandon, 74, of Greer, South Carolina, died September 11, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 31, 1950, to John and Evelyn Brandon, in Greenville, Kentucky. John married Laura Kathryn Dickson on May 26, 1973, and their long-awaited daughter, Johanna Kathryn, arrived in 1987. He never missed an opportunity to credit His God for answering their years of prayer for a child and giving them the desire of their hearts. John devoted his life to the ministry of Jesus Christ and His church, serving 36 years in Kentucky at Beechmont Baptist Church, Melbourne Heights Baptist Church, and finally at Versailles Baptist Church. His family liked to keep count of the number of people who stopped him to speak during his regular grocery trips. It was a testament to the many who were touched by his deep compassion, gentle wisdom, and faithful presence. He was known widely, not because he desired fame or attention, but because for generations, he shared the joys and burdens of others. Later in life, he stepped into his beloved role as ‘Pop.’ The joy he experienced dishing out ice cream, serving unnumbered pints of cherry tomatoes, and generally providing his grandchildren with their ‘favorites,’ was unmatched. He understood the connection Jesus modeled in eating with His disciples and cherished the opportunity to share the gifts he had been given, all the while offering thanks. There will be a void once filled by his infectious laughter, bear hugs, and selfless devotion to those around him, but he approached death with the confidence and excitement of one who knows he will soon be in the presence of his Savior. His friends and family take comfort in knowing that a place is prepared for us, and we will one day join him around the throne. John is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Johanna and son-in-law Matt, grandchildren, Evy and Bear, siblings, David (Cathy) and Elizabeth (Kendale Moore), sister-in-law, Margaret Cammuse, Brandon nieces and nephew Emily, Keely, Kate, and Brandon, and Dickson nephew Douglas, as well as 9 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Evelyn, and brother-in-law, Les Cammuse. There will be a private graveside service in the coming days. True to his life and legacy, he requested none of the traditional trappings to honor his life, but instead that his Lord and Savior be praised and that all be invited to join in relationship with Him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made to the Slavic Gospel Association, https://www.sga.org; MAP-international (Medicine for All People), https://www.map.org; SAT-7 (Making God's Love Visible to Everyone in the Middle East and North Africa), https://www.sat7usa.org; or Mercy Ships, https://www.mercyships.org. Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.

John Brandon

March 31, 1950 - September 11, 2024