Samuel M. Brannon - Obituary
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Samuel M. Brannon, 78, husband of Marie Kirk Brannon, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Mr. Brannon was born on March 7, 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia.
Sam was an UPHA, World’s Champion Horse Show Hall, and ARHPA Hall of Famer. He trained and presented many legendary world and national title winners for every division of the industry that he loved: including but not limited to Mighty Houdini, WC CH Dixie Aristocrat, WCJackie Boyd, Society's Crown Jewel, Indiana Peavine, Three-Gaited Reserve World's Grand Championship Flavor Taste, Junior Five-Gaited WC CH Lily Merrill, Flavor Taste, Precious Princess, CH Grape Tree Limelight, CH Dream Hill's Ann Thompson, CH Princess Blanchita, Dunhaven's Inspiration (Hackney), WC CH Valley Witch, Fine Harness World's Grand Champion CH Reata's Virginia Wolf, CH Wind-Sir, CH Buck Creek Precious Princess [Broodmare Hall of Fame], CH Sea Of Secrets, CH Hayfield's American Beauty, Eyre Lad, Speed Limit, WC Magic View, WC Autobahn, WC Cross Bow, RWC Magic Moonrise, WC Stop the Music, WC Party Punch, WC Mayday Mercury, WC Unclaimed, and RWC Aragon.
Sam also enhanced the scope of the American saddlebred industry in various ways outside the show ring. He was instrumental in organizing the saddlebred’s first trip overseas to Equitana in Germany. He also graced the “big screen” riding and driving his chosen breed in Grace Kelly’s last movie The Swan.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Brannon is survived by his children, Nancy Brannon of Midway, Zoe Brannon of Georgetown, Rocky Brannon, Stoney Brannon of Missouri, and Bucky Brannon and Clay Brannon Noel of Georgia. Several grand-children, and many wonderful friends also survive.
There will be a reception celebrating Sam’s life. Saturday January 4, 2013 between 2 and 5 at Heaven Trees Farm behind Keeneland (2714 Elkchester Road in Lexington, Kentucky.
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