Byron (Byke) Brannon

Byron (Byke) Brannon, of Durham, North Carolina, formerly from Hilliard, Ohio, passed away in the early morning hours of June 13th at Duke Family Pavilion Hospice House at the age of 68.

Born to Dr. Robert W. and Carol Brannon, Byron graduated from Upper Arlington high school in 1975 and later from Franklin University.  Byron spent his career in the green industry, both working for others, and as the owner of his own landscaping business. His family fondly referred to him as “Greenman”. More recently, he was a delivery driver for Napa Auto Parts, in both Durham and Hilliard.

Byke was larger than life with an upbeat, sunny personality and a big, beautiful smile for everyone. His family joked that he was an “ask for forgiveness, not for permission” kind of guy. He was good at anything he attempted.

Byke fought a recurrent pituitary tumor for over 22 years, going through numerous courses of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.  Despite all this, he remained hopeful and positive and ready to hear the next options for treatment or a cure. He endured so much without complaint.

Byke is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Jaime (Jon) Simmons, granddaughters Hattie and Hannah Simmons, sisters Suzanne (Richard) Rapp and Barbara Brannon. Survived by brothers in-law Bob (Barbara) Zinser, Richard Zinser, Thomas (Marsha) Zinser, and sister in law Marlene Alexander and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and the very best friends and neighbors a person could have. We will miss him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Ohio this autumn.

In remembrance of Byke, and in lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in his memory or help his family cover their numerous medical expenses by making a donation here: https://gofund.me/bfc67f1f