Revis Aaron (R.A.) Brannon III, 64, of Muscle Shoals passed away Thursday July 22, 2010 at his home. He had been in declining health for many years. R.A. Graduated from Coffee High School in 1964, attended Peabody College in Nashville, and graduated summa cum laude from Florence State College (UNA) with a BS in sociology and English. He earned his masters degree in sociology from the University of Georgia. He was born on Sept. 11, 1945. R.A. Had a lifelong obsession with automobiles and racing. He began racing go-karts in 1958 with his father and brother Charles. They won over 200 trophies through 1964. During high school, he worked as a photojournalist covering auto racing and at 17, became the youngest regional editor Auto week ever had. He was a former owner of Valley Photo in North Florence. He started racing sports cars in 1968 in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), raced in IMSA's RS series, NASCAR''s Baby Grand division, and was a two-time track champion at Highland Rim Raceway in the Nashville area.
Mr. Brannon was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. R.A. Brannon, Jr., and Elizabeth Hudson Brannon. Survivors include Brothers Charles E. and Robert O. Brannon, Sisters Martha Brannon Marshall (Charlie), Ellen Brannon Jones, nephews Lance and Tyler Brannon, and nieces Jennifer and Libby Marshall.
A private interment will be held at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens at a later date.