Most of our individual Community Spotlights have a personal source of inspiration for their passion, and the work they do in the community – a person or experience that inspired them to volunteer selflessly to make things a little brighter for the people of our area. This week’s Community Spotlight says his motivation comes from somewhere a little different that what we are accustomed to hearing when we ask the question, “What drives you to spend so much of your time in service to others?” Kelley Branson’s answer was quick and simple - “I love this town.”
Kelley Branson was born and raised in New Boston, Texas. He graduated New Boston High School in 1979 and attended college at East Texas State University, where he majored in communications. He first went to work in broadcasting, before ultimately going to work at his father’s plumbing business, Branson Plumbing, until his father’s retirement in 2019. At that time Kelley took a few months off, before his son John Fox Branson at Fix-It-Fox Plumbing “dragged” him out of retirement to help at his plumbing business, which is something Kelley says he is thoroughly enjoying.
Through the years, Kelley has probably spent as much time at his jobs that DON’T pay, as he has his jobs that do. He has been involved in the Pioneer Days festival, off and on beginning in 1980, and every year since 1999. He was the chairman of the Pioneer Days Committee for 15 years, from 2005 to 2015. He is also on the Board of Directors of the New Boston Chamber of Commerce, and a three- time past president. He is a board member of the New Boston Special Industrial Committee and volunteers for the United Fund. Kelley was chairman of the committee assigned to the building of the New Boston Visitors Center, and was heavily involved in the building of Trailhead Park Pavilion. He is a life-long member of First Baptist Church New Boston, where he has served as the sound technician for for 30 years, and also serves as a deacon. Being chosen as a deacon is something that Kelley is extremely proud of. “My dad is a deacon, and I have looked up to the deacons in my church my entire life,” he said. “It is one of my greatest accomplishments to be selected to serve as a deacon.”
