Ray Campbell Brandon Jr. "Coach Brandon" Obituary (1936 - 2019)

RAY CAMPBELL BRANDON JR. "Coach Brandon" -age 83 of Lebanon passed away on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019. He was preceded in death by parents, Ray and Ruth Brandon and sister, Martha Newman. He is survived by wife of 59 years, Nancy Clark Brandon; sons, Bud (Bonita) Brandon and Tom (Lisa) Brandon; grandchildren, Clark, Conner, and Casey Brandon, Ashley and Jamie Tillman, Kayla Jackson, and Emma and Isabella Tillman; brother, Charles S. Brandon; nephew, Charlie Newman; and niece, Laurie Newman. Mr. Brandon was a 1954 graduate of Central High School in Murfreesboro and a graduate of Middle TN State University. Coach Brandon was a teacher first and a coach second who began his career at Lascassas High School before making his reputation across 28 years at Lebanon High School where the gymnasium is named in his honor. He was ranked nationally for most wins in girls' basketball and among top ten coaches in Tennessee for number of wins compiling a record of over 1,000 victories. His Devilettes won the TSSAA State Championship in 1971 and were runner up in 1975, 1979, and 1982. In 1979 his six-player team reached the TSSAA Class AAA State Tournament in the final year of that type of play-his Lebanon Blue Devilettes were the only team that returned in1980 in five player format. He was named The Tennessean Midstate Coach of the Year 5 times and was a member of the TSSAA Hall of Fame. After retirement, Coach Brandon assisted Coach Bill Robinson at Watertown High School. Perhaps the greatest pleasure of his coaching career was working alongside his son Bud as a father- son duo at Wilson Central High School from 2001-2016 and helping the Lady Wildcats win state championships in 2006 and 2008. Throughout his years of coaching, he was involved in 17 state tournaments. Before completing his career, he was head coach for 1 year in Smith County. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 in the First United Methodist Church from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 6 p.m. in the Lebanon High School Terry Edward's Auditorium with a reception honoring Coach Brandon's life immediately following the service. Interment will be on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be past players, fellow teachers and coaches. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Brooks House or New Leash on Life. PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL is in care of arrangements. 615-444-7007 OBIT LINE 615-444-7700 www.partlowchapel.com Read More