Joel Winfrey Branscum

Joel Winfrey Branscum, 90, passed away peacefully at University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born July 9, 1936, in Wayne County, Kentucky, to the late Monnie Tucker Branscum and Theodore “Theo” Branscum.

Joel was a devoted husband, father, Poppy, and friend. A man of strong faith and character, he loved the Lord, his family, old-time gospel and country music, and helping others. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and later retired from IBM and the Jessamine County Detention Center.

Joel was a hardworking man who could fix nearly anything. He loved gardening, raising goats, caring for his dogs, and spending time outdoors. He also had a lifelong passion for sports, coaching baseball and basketball and positively influencing hundreds of young people throughout the years. He raised a sports-oriented family and proudly passed his love of athletics down through generations.

Joel and Connie Sue Bell Branscum shared a beautiful life together. They met in grade school in McCreary County and became childhood sweethearts. They went on to share over 50 wonderful, happy years of marriage. Joel was a loving and devoted husband, and together they built a life that they loved, centered around their faith, family, and community. To their grandchildren, they were lovingly known as Nanny and Poppy.

Together, Joel and Connie started City Limits, a business created to bring joy to their community and provide children with a safe and positive place to spend their time rather than getting into trouble. Through City Limits and Joel’s years of coaching, they touched the lives of countless young people and created a lasting impact on their community.

He is survived by his children, Allen Wade Branscum (Becky), Johnny Winfred Branscum (Gina), and Patricia Ann Branscum McAnly; his brother, Delbert Branscum; grandchildren, Morgan Cobb (Jared), Megan Breaden (Joshua), Madison McAnly (Coty), Kassi Renee Williams (Eddie), Joel Conley Branscum (Olivia), and John Allen Stuart Branscum (Haley); and great-grandchildren, Colton Cobb, Sutton Cobb, Eamon Breaden, Beau Breaden, Addison Bain, Declan Wright, Abby Wright, and River Lewis.

Joel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie Sue Bell Branscum; his parents, Monnie Tucker Branscum and Theodore “Theo” Branscum; and his siblings, Windell Branscum and Marilyn Branscum Wesley.

Joel will be remembered for his kindness, humor, hard work, love of family, and the countless lives he touched. To his grandchildren, he will always be Poppy—the loving grandfather who helped create memories that will be treasured for generations.

His family finds comfort knowing that Joel is now at peace, reunited with Connie and those who went before him, resting in the arms of the Lord.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Betts & West Funeral Home, with Bro. Darrell Mulcahy officiating.  The burial will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery.  The bearers will be Don Carson, Aaron Coyle, Conley Branscum, John Stuart Branscum, Jared Cobb, and Coty Lewis.  Honorary bearers will be Bruce Aaron Coyle and Ezekiel Coyle.     

The visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Wednesday morning until the time of service at 1:00 PM.  

Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Joel, and his family in their time of need.