Joseph Carson Bransby

Joseph C. Bransby, long time YMCA Executive, Father and Author, passed away on Monday June 23rd at the age of 99.
Joe led the YMCA of Metro Atlanta as its CEO from 1962-1980. Joe officially retired in 1980, but remained active in the Y, attending Y events, participating in fundraising calls, offering timeless perspectives and interesting historical stories to staff members and volunteers. He was a trustee of the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C.
A devoted Y professional, Joe is the namesake behind the Bransby Christian Leadership Award, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's highest volunteer award to honor exemplary service, presented annually since 1984. Thousands of children attend day camp each summer at the Bransby Outdoor YMCA Center at Rock Chapel in Lithonia, Ga.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF2kXFIlqvg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF2kXFIlqvg
Joe was born in Margaretville, NY on May 13, 1915, the oldest child of Rev. Carson Bransby and his wife Lillian. The family moved to the Midwest at an early age, Joe completed his public schooling in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, where he met his wife Louise. Joe and Louise were married nearly 73 years prior to her passing in 2012. They have four children: Kit Bransby; Judi Unwin; Janis Belardinelli; and Mike Bransby; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Joe studied geology and archaeology in college, maintained a life-long avid interest in the American Indian and was an authority on Puebloan culture. He discovered two unknown cliff dwellings during exploration visits to the Four Corners area of New Mexico in 1952 and 1958. Ten years ago, he wrote and published Westward Wings the Hawk using his factual Native American research in this historical novel.
A lay leader at Decatur Presbyterian Church since the late 1960's, Joe last taught Sunday School this past February. An avid student of the Bible, Joe lived his Christian faith by his daily love of family, kindness to friends, and generosity to those who needed a hand up. He was a man of integrity, living each day, with humility and grace. By example he taught the values of loyalty, dependability and compassion
Joe was a tireless supporter of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, having been a member of this club since 1962 and a continuous Rotary member since 1946. He led the singing at the downtown weekly meetings for years, and for the past decade opened baseball season at Rotary by singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame.
Here is Joe in April of this year opening the baseball season: http://youtu.be/Cu7BTgVhzOc
He was a well-respected leader and generous steward of the community, says Ed Munster, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Joe approached life with great passion, and his endless energy was dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. His dedication, energy and business acumen enabled the Y to expand vital programs and services like youth and teen programs, resident camp and expanding into Atlanta's suburbs. We continue to see his fingerprint today. The Y Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers mourn the passing of our cherished volunteer, visionary leader and wonderful friend.

Visitation will be 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, June 27, at A.S. Turner and Sons, 2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, Ga. 30033. A celebration of Joe's life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at Decatur Presbyterian Church, 205 Sycamore Street, Decatur, Ga., 30030.
Joe will be laid to rest next to Louise on Monday June 30th, 10AM, at Sheridan Cemetery in Mt. Union, IA. Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, IA is coordinating burial arrangements.



Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033