Rickey “Rick” Leon Brannon, Sr., of Parkersburg, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, following a brief period of care and a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was 81 years old.
Born in Elyria, Ohio, in 1944, Rick spent most of his life in West Virginia. Rick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma (Boots) Roberts Brannon, with whom he shared nearly 50 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his three sons, Michael Roberts, Sr. (Susan), David Roberts, and Kenny Roberts (Kathy); his parents, Ruby Godfrey Brannon Conrad and Harry Brannon and his siblings Roger Brannon and Ronald Brannon, and his sister, Sharon Brannon.
Rick was a long-time member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church of Stumptown, West Virginia.
He was a proud 1963 graduate of Normantown High School and was honored as the school’s Alumnus of the Year in 2015. He remained an active and dedicated member of the Normantown High School Alumni Association throughout his life.
Shortly after graduating, Rick joined the United States Army, where he faithfully served his country until 1967, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He remained a strong supporter of veterans and veteran-related organizations throughout his life.
Rick retired from DuPont Washington Works after 34 years of service, including more than 20 years as a Plant Supervisor. He also proudly served his community as a Wood County Reserve Deputy Sheriff for 16 years.
He is survived by his daughter, Reta Roberts (Callie), and his son, Rickey Leon Brannon, Jr. (Gail), and sisters, Karen Arcaba (Chet) and Debra Harrison.
Above all else, Rick cherished his family and friends. His greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. He was the proud grandfather of 10, and he was blessed to see his family grow through generations of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Rick was admired, respected, and loved by many. His kindness, dedication to family, service to his country, and commitment to his community will be remembered by all who knew him. His legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to others will live on in the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Arnoldsburg, West Virginia, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Leary VanHorn officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Rick’s honor to a veteran’s organization of the donor’s choice.
Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., 1440 Arnoldsburg Road, Arnoldsburg, WV, is honored to service and support the Brannon family. Fond memories and words of comfort can be shared with the Brannon family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
