John Raymond Brandon

On December 10, 2010, surrounded by his family, Capt. John Raymond Brandon, Ret. embarked on his final deployment. He was born in Texarkana, Arkansas to the late Ruth and Raymond Brandon. He is survived by his wife, Christina, his children Chaffin Brandon, Margarete Brandon and Elizabeth Brandon Gaddy and her husband Marvill; his grandchildren Brittany Stubbs, Rebecca Gaddy and Ethan Brandon and his sisters Suzanne Brandon and Lisa Brandon Doss and her husband Don. Brandon attended the University of Oklahoma on a Naval ROTC scholarship. Upon graduation in 1960, he was commissioned an Ensign, United States Navy. During his 23-year naval career, John earned a Masters Degree in Soviet Studies from American University in Washington, DC, served in Viet Nam and was assigned a professorship in Naval Science at Harvard University. Additionally, Brandon was honored by being selected as personal aide to Vadm L.P. Ramage, World War II Medal of Honor recipient. During his naval career, Brandon served on both cruisers, destroyers, and the aircraft carrier the USS Shangri-La. His final command was that of the USS Manley. He also served in London as Plans Officer for Commander Naval Forces Europe and as Director of Plans for the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (NATO SACLANT). Captain Brandon was awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal upon his retirement in 1983 and received eight other personal decorations throughout his career. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev F. Scott Hennessy and Rev. Charles A. Joy officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Dwelling Place or to Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com. "After arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude…With an increasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country and family, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of all who knew you, we bid you an affectionate farewell."