Branch Kennon (born Joe Branch Kennon), 82, of Panama City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. He was born in Quitman, Georgia on February 4, 1944 to Thomas Jason Kennon and Josephine Ward Kennon. He lived a full, accomplished, and joyfully competitive life filled with family, friends, patients, and colleagues who all enjoyed his talent for storytelling, quick wit, and humor as well as his generosity and friendship.

He moved to Live Oak, Florida, at an early age, where—according to him—he excelled in everything. At Suwannee High School, he was a star basketball player, football standout, and one of the brightest students. After conquering all that Live Oak had to offer, he took his talents to the University of Florida where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. But Florida was no match for him; after only three years, he was accepted to Emory University Dental School and graduated in 1969. He was a member of Psi Omega, professional fraternity, where he served as house chairman.

The U.S. The Army came calling soon after, offering him the choice to volunteer and go to Korea or be drafted to Vietnam. Branch chose to volunteer his service. He spent about a year in South Korea, practicing dentistry near the DMZ and—famously—correcting grammatical and spelling errors in Pam’s love notes. (We’re still not entirely sure how his sons, Travis and Jason, came to exist after hearing those stories.) He later explained he thought he was being helpful and that Pam recognized he was a diamond in the rough. He always said that the day he and Pam met on a blind date was the luckiest day of his life.

Following his service, Branch and Pam moved briefly to Colorado before making Panama City their home in 1972. There he practiced dentistry for over 40 years, spending the first 26 at Harrison Dental Associates. In 1999, he founded Kennon Dental Associates where he worked until retiring in 2014. Over the life of his career, Branch earned the deep affection of his staff and the respect of his local peers in the dental community. His devotion to his patients was evident daily. Even after retirement or transitions in the practice, patients would always ask his son Jason, “How’s Branch doing?” His genuine care, skill, and kindness built relationships that lasted far beyond appointments.

Branch’s personal life was as full as his professional life. He loved playing tennis and golf, and according to him, excelled greatly in both. He greatly cherished time with his golfing buddies (with friends like these, who needs enemies). He also loved snow skiing, traveling and Florida Gator Football. We can say for certain that many wonderful memories were made and friendships formed from his love of sport and travel.

Branch was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jason Kennon and Josephine Ward Kennon; his brother, Thomas Jason Kennon; and his beloved wife, Pamela Rebecca Kennon.

He is survived by his two sons: Jason Branch Kennon (wife Tina) and Travis Walker Kennon (wife Suzanne); five grandsons: Hunter, Ty, Logan, Brantley, and Bryce Kennon; brother Frank (Paula) Harshaw; sister-in-law, Diane Kennon; niece Ginny (Frank) Liedtkys; and nephews Todd (Kim) Kennon and Greg (Candice) Kennon; sister-in-law, Edwina (Phil) Murphy; brothers-in-law, Gordon (Pam) Smith and Eddie Smith; nephews Ryan (Shontel) Smith, Eric (Carolyn) Smith, and Zachary Smith; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First United Methodist Church Panama City on March 8th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Parkinson’s Foundation, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, or First United Methodist Church Panama City.