Joe was born in Tattnall County, Georgia on October 18, 1932. After graduating from Baxley High School in South Georgia, he joined the Air Force and served our country during the Korean War. After his discharge, he enrolled in college and earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University. He went to work for Burlington Industries, met and married his beautiful wife Barbara, and raised his young family in Clayton, in North Georgia. In the early 1970's, the family moved with Burlington to Monticello, AR. After a successful career with Burlington, Joe began his own successful business, Arkansas Carpet Distributors, which at one point had stores in Monticello, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Hot Springs. Joe served on the board of Commercial Bank in Monticello, was a proud supporter of Billie football, was a devoted member of Monticello First Baptist Church, loved being a grandfather, spending time at his lake house on Lake Burton in Georgia, Auburn University sports, and being a part of the Monticello community. Most of all, Joe was a devoted family man, always putting himself last and his beloved family first. His guidance, his comfort, his unfailing support, and his love will be desperately missed.
Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. You can sign Joe's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Janice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Saturday, May 6, 2023 Barbara, Joe & family, So sorry to read about Joe. May God give you peace and comfort in your sorrow. With sympathy & love, JaniceFaye Lewis
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Barbara and family, There are so many ways to describe Mr. Joe, but the most obvious way is to say he was quite the gentleman. I loved seeing him in church wearing his suit and tie sitting by his beautiful wife Barbara. They rarely missed a Sunday and that speaks volumes about his character. I know your entire family will miss him and so will I.Billy & Jody Gladden
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 2, 2023 So sorry for your loss. Joe was a good man!Mike and Dalene Stephenson
, AR Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Our deepest sympathy. Mr. Joe was always kind and courteous. Monticello will miss him.Cliff Gibson
Monticello, AR Monday, May 1, 2023 Once a week for almost 34 years I would see and visit with Joe at the weekly board meeting of Commercial Bank. He seldom missed a bank board meeting, and always had sage advice to offer. I knew he was having health problems when he recently became absent at board meetings. I will cherish my last visit with joe as we departed from a board meeting -- he always had a sly smile and was friendly with all. The world will be a poorer place without Joe, but heaven will be much improved. Lisa and I send our condolences t Barbara and family. Cliff Gibson.Gerald Hasty, Jr.
Honolulu, HI Monday, May 1, 2023 Brannens, Hastys, and many others are saddened to learn of Uncle Joe's passing. We are all very grateful for the happy times we've shared. Uncle Joe's upright example is a great one for everyone.Cindy Jarvis
Rison, AR Monday, May 1, 2023 The world has lost a fine southern gentleman, a man among men. Joe Brannen was a wonderful man who loved his family beyond measure and showed grace to others as a standard. The world is dimmer without the light of this gentleman’s presence…prayers for all of his family and those who have been touched by knowing him throughout the years. Rest on high Pops, I for one, will miss you and your wisdom immensely ❤️❤️Robin Johnson
Monticello, AR Monday, May 1, 2023 Barbara and family,My love and prayers for each of you. Joe was one of a kind and such a treasure to our community.
Robin Johnson and Family
Lavera Burton
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 30, 2023 I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Joe he was a sweet man I know he will be missed prayers for family and friends may he RIPKent Davis
Maumelle, AR Saturday, April 29, 2023 I’m sorry, He was a good man, Prayers