Courthouse custodian Brandon dies at age 103 on The Murfreesboro Post

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Courthouse custodian Brandon dies at age 103

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Brandon celebrates 103rd birthday

Posted: Wednesday, January 6, 2010 9:22 am

Courthouse custodian Brandon dies at age 103 | Willie Brandon

Jameson Martin, 5, presents Willie Brandon a birthday picture he drew of them in 2007.

Long-time Rutherford County Courthouse custodian Willie Brandon has died at age 103.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Scales Funeral Home.

At age 80, Brandon began custodial duties at the Courthouse. He worked until he was 102 and his health prevented him from working.

His annual birthday party at the Courthouse has long been a public celebration. At his 103th birthday held last June, Brandon attributed his long life to a higher power.

“God let me live,” Brandon said. “I feel fine.”

He spent much of his last birthday celebrating with Rutherford County Commissioners and employees at the Courthouse.

“I love the whole community and God bless them,” Brandon said during his birthday party.

Co-worker Janie Davis worked with Brandon eight years.

“Willie is an icon,” said Davis. “He’s wonderful. He’s absolutely adorable.”

County Mayor Ernest Burgess said Brandon represented a class of people with high character.

“It is so refreshing we have people like that who are loyal, they’re honest, their work ethic is unbelievably strong, their faith in their fellow man and God is astounding and they have an attitude that is so positive that it’s contagious,” Burgess said.

“Mr. Willie’s clarity of mind and memory was remarkable,” the mayor said. “He was able to share many of life’s difficulty in a very constructive and positive way. I was almost in awe of his depth of understanding of what life is all about.”

Brandon felt an urgency to work every day.

“He didn’t want to let up on being a positive, constructive influence in the community,” Burgess said.

As a child, General Sessions Court Judge Larry Brandon spent time with his cousin, the elder Brandon who came by his family’s house almost every day.

“For a kid, it’s important to treat them with respect,” Judge Brandon said.

The younger Brandon, his brother and father helped Willie Brandon load his hogs and transport the livestock to Nashville for sale. After the sale, the elder Brandon treated the brothers and father to eat all they wanted.

“Nothing was better than a stockyard hamburger,” Judge Brandon said. “Those were some of the best times I ever had.”

The judge has tried to treat his son, Larry Brandon II, with respect by spending time with him.

Willie Brandon had a special bond with Larry Brandon II because he was the oldest and Larry Brandon II was the youngest of the family.

Brandon never got in a hurry and enjoyed his time on his farm.

By his example of working, Brandon was rewarded with a longer life, his cousin said.

At Brandon's last birthday party, County Commissioner Anthony Johnson described Brandon as “walking history.”

When attending commission meetings, Johnson said he often arrived early to visit with Brandon.

“He’d tell me stories of the past,” Johnson said. “He’s definitely a role model for anyone — the way he carries himself. He’s just a gentle giant full of life for his fellow man. It’s an honor to have him as my friend.”

Tagged under Willie Brandon

Member Opinions:

By: Curious on 1/6/10
It was such an honor to have known Mr. Willie and to have him share stories of his life. The courthouse hasn't been the same without him.

Also wonderful that he lived long enough to see a black man rise to the highest office in our land after having grown up and lived with the injustice of segregation and prejudice.

He was a sweet man and a good soul. May he rest in peace.

By: canalou on 1/6/10
Credit to his race...human race...a gentleman, a hard-working man...no racial bias to be found in him...that makes him "spiritual" in true sense...I'm sure there's some who resent him as a a black man...but he doesnt deserve that...

By: vdanr on 1/7/10
I had the privilage of meeting and talking to Mr. Brandon a couple of years ago. The was only going to be 5 minutes, but once he started sharing his life experiences and his wisdom, I didn't want to leave his house. The visit last over an hour. I agree with you canalou, a credit to his race, the human race, a real gentelman, etc. Most of all, a true believer in God!!

By: countrygirl on 1/7/10
MR. WILLIE WAS ONE OF THE SWEETEST MEN I HAVE EVER MET IN MY LIFETIME. WHILE MY HUSBAND WORKED WITH HIM, MR.WILLIE ALWAYS MADE A POINT TO HUG MY KIDS AND MYSELF. HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!!!REST IN PEACE MR. WILLIE