Saltville, Va.

Billy Dean Branson, age 74 passed away peacefully at his home in Saltville, Va. on Thursday, May 29, 2025.  Billy was born on August 8, 1950 to the late John and Odelene Branson.

Billy was a 1970 graduate of R. B. Worthy High School.  He was retired from Westinghouse and United Salt Corporation.  He was an avid storyteller, and he loved to dance and sing karaoke.  Billy also enjoyed a good round of golf.  He was a member of the Smyth County Moose Lodge, and he attended Quarry Church.

Including his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Sylvester Taylor; his sister, Linda Cardwell; and sister-in-law, Barbara Branson.

Those left to cherish his loving memory are his children, Tabatha Jackson and husband Dale, Tina Blevins and husband Harry, and Billie Hagar; brothers, Johnny Branson and wife Donna, James Branson, Bobby Branson, Doug Branson and wife Sara, and Jack Branson and wife Darcy; honorary brother, Arthur "Nookie" Olinger; grandchildren, Shane Wilson (Katelyn Doane), Alex Tolbert (Ashley), Alicia Pierson (Jon), Zachary DeBusk (Nichole Boothe), Sydney Griffey, Olivia Hagar (Max Thompson), Ethan Blevins, Beau Jackson (Anastasia), Dusty Jackson, Dorian Crabtree (Brenna), Allison Stiltner, and Emma Johnson; the mother of his daughters, Diane Hawkins (Dale); brother-in-law, Alan Cardwell; and sister-in-law, Peggy Taylor; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Leonard Smith officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 prior to the service.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Billy Dean Branson.