Billy Poston Brandon

Billy Poston Brandon, 82, former Henning Mayor and County Commissioner, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024. A Lauderdale County icon, he was known and loved by many across generations. Billy Poe was born in Henning, TN, to Henry Poston “HP” and Pauline Hamby Brandon. He treasured his life there, owning the service station, Toby’s Pub, and most notably, Poe’s Bar.  He cared for his small town, where he filled many public service offices. As the youngest alderman elected, he served 10 years before he was elected to become the youngest mayor for 6 years. Billy Poe also spent 20 years as County Commissioner, continuing his service to Henning and to Lauderdale County.

Billy Poe loved his friends at Poe’s Bar, and enjoyed discussing the history of each family in Henning and Ripley.  His youthful manner and approach to life superseded any age differences. He counted young and old as his good friends.  He was a touchstone for friends spanning generations. He was tenderhearted, kind, witty, and quick with a heartwarming smile.  He had a real gift for making friends with anyone – anywhere.  He would meet them all across the country, and they would be life-long friends. These friends thought so highly of him that you could have found him officiating more than a few weddings.  Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life said, “No man is a failure who has friends”, and by that measure and many others, he was a very successful man.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann Holtsford Brandon, his parents, H.P. and Pauline Brandon, and his brother, David C. Brandon.  He is survived by wife, Betsy Kirkpatrick Brandon; one daughter, Melissa (Charles) Portera; one son, Bill Jr. (Sandi); five grandchildren, Carol Ann (Riddick) Proveaux, Mary (PJ) Curtis, Luke Portera, Poston Brandon, Anna Brandon, one great-grandchild, Rowan Curtis. Through his wife Betsy, he gained 2 sons, Hayne (Laura) Webb, and Brown (Mindy Lou) Barfield; one daughter, Laura (William) Binkley; 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be held at Covington Funeral Home on Friday, January 26th from 4-7PM.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to: Uptown Catz, 176 Randolph St. Ripley, TN 38063 or via paypal: @UPTOWNCATZ or a charity of your choice.