Paul J. Branton

PAUL J. BRANTON ASHEVILLE - Paul Jerome Branton, age 78, of Asheville, died Saturday, May 9, 2015. Mr. Branton was born April 8, 1937, in Buncombe County where he had lived most of his life. He was a member of Asheville First Church of the Nazarene where he served on the Church Board, was Sunday School Superintendent, a Sunday School teacher, and was a member of the choir and an usher. He was also active in the Youth Quiz Team, Youth Ministry and was the Senior Adult Ministry Director. His career in floral industries included Coward Wholesale and Branton Wholesale Floral Supply. After retirement he drove a patient transport van for Mountain Mobility for 13 years. Paul was the son of the late William and Aldine Ball Branton and was also preceded in death by his brothers, William Branton and Robert Branton. Surviving are his wife of 26 years, Sharon Russell Branton of Asheville; daughter, Leighsa Lattimore and husband Brian of Knoxville, TN; sons, P. Jon Branton and wife Jill of Lexington, KY, Tim Branton and wife Jenny of Asheville, Robert L. Russell of Asheville, and Jesse A. Russell and wife Christy of Murphy; and nine grandchildren, Eric, Chad, Rob, Katie, Amber, Maquela, Brian II, Jesse, and Ethan. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 in Asheville First Church of the Nazarene, 385 Hazel Mill Road, Asheville, NC 28806. Pastors Doug Hopkins, James Stewart and James Staggs will officiate. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, where the body will remain until placed in the church one hour prior to the funeral. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Flowers are welcome. For those who desire, memorials may be made to Asheville First Church of the Nazarene, or CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Branton's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 in Asheville First Church of the Nazarene, 385 Hazel Mill Road, Asheville, NC 28806. Pastor’s Doug Hopkins, James Stewart and James Staggs will officiate. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, where the body will remain until placed in the church one hour prior to the funeral. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Flowers are welcome. For those who desire, memorials may be made to Asheville First Church of the Nazarene, or CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Branton’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.