Tuesday, February 16th, 2021
Joseph Branson
Joseph Ackroyd Branson, age 74, passed away on Wednesday February 10, 2021 at Good Shepherd Hospice Center in Sebring, Florida.
He was born on June 17, 1946 in Celina, Ohio to the late Herbert A. Branson and Margaret H. (O'Connor) Branson. He had been a resident of Sebring since 2015, formerly living in Celina, Ohio.
Joe served his country in the U.S. Army just after high school. He later completed his undergrad education through Wright State University and received his MBA from Ashland University. He had a successful career as a purchasing leader, and retired from Ineos/BP Chemical. He also served his community over the years, from his support of sports programs in the high schools of his children and grandchildren, to civic work he participated in over the years.
When he first retired to Sebring, with many of his lifelong friends, he spent much of his time completing "honey-do's" for people in the Sun-N-Lakes community. More recently, he has proudly served as a Supervisor on the Board of Directors for Sun-N-Lakes for the last 3+ years. Joe had a passionate love for golf, enjoyed word and crossword puzzles, but most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends. Those who knew him, know that he never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel special, providing great advice, and making us all laugh with his sarcastic sense of humor.
He is survived by his loving children - Heather Dorsten (Robert Kennedy) of Celina, Ohio; Carla Yudhishthu (Michael) of Portland, Oregon; Abby Miller (Andrew) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Kyle Hoelscher (Courtney) of Evansville, Indiana; brother - David Peter Branson (Susie) of Lafayette, Indiana; sister - Paula Porter of Gainesville, Florida. It is important to mention that Joe is also survived by two ex-wives, both of whom he was married to for close to 20 years. He gave marriage the old college try, and both marriages yielded many positive things in his life! Surviving are also 7 grandchildren who he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother - Phillip and a sister - Margaret, as well as his granddaughter - LaRae Marie Dorsten.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice 1110 Hammock Rd., Sebring, FL 33870 (www.chaptershelth.org) or First Tee of Central Florida, a nonprofit that introduces golf to youth (www.firstteecfl.org).
Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home 4001 Sebring Parkway, Sebring, FL 33870.
Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com.
