Fred Alton Brannen, 75, of Cleveland, TN, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at the family residence with his loving family by his side.
He devoted his life to the Church of God Ministries for 53 years. In earlier years he was overseer of the Church of God Missions in Guyana, South America. He retired as field director of Africa Church of God World Missions. He also served as Church of God Pastor of Tellico Plains Church of God, Midtown Church of God in Kingston, North Side Church of God in Lenoir City, Waynesboro Church of God, Donelson Church of God and Cedar Hill Church of God in Talbott, TN. He was a member of Victory Drive Church of God. He was also a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.
He was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Louis Alton Brannen.
Survivors include his wife of almost 57 years, Frances Hildreth Brannen of Cleveland; three daughters and sons-in-law, Frankie and Rick Durham of Cleveland, Ruthie and Curtis Crockett of Cleveland and Tabitha and Philip Jaycox of Watertown, NY; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; mother, Bonnie Jones Brannen of Cleveland; two brothers, Will and wife Melody Brannen, Lowell and wife, Janis Brannen all of Cleveland; two sisters, Bonita and husband Michael Landrum and Donice and husband Raymond Brown all of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of his life service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Vaughan and Dr. Edward L. Williams officiating. Interment will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Lakeview Cemetery in Lenoir City with a white dove release ceremony concluding the service.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Church of God World Missions, 2490 Keith Street, NW, Cleveland, TN 37311.