07/17/2024
Brandon P. Hembree passed away surrounded by his family on July 2, 2024 at his home in Grass Valley, CA. In his true spirit, he ferociously fought stage IV cancer for several months preceding his untimely death.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday July 27th at 10am at Hooper & Weaver in Nevada City followed by a reception at The Miners Foundry Cultural Center at 12:30pm.
Brandon was born April 16, 1981, in Gilroy, Ca to Tammy Woodard. He spent much of his childhood in Alameda, CA where he made some lifelong friends. Soon after, he moved to Foresthill, CA where he completed junior high and went on to graduate from Placer High School. Before graduating high school Brandon started working at American Body and Frame in Auburn, Ca through the ROP program. This is where his passion for the automotive world took hold. He spent 10 years there, climbing the ranks to become their lead painter while also marrying the love of his life, Lorin Hembree in 2005. They went on to purchase their first home and relocated to Grass Valley, CA where they began their family with daughter Taylor and son Logan.
In 2006, Brandon transitioned his employment to Rolly’s Body Shop in Grass Valley. He and Lorin eventually purchased the business where they made it their own. Brandon cherished maintaining Rolly’s time tested traditions all the while meticulously keeping up with industry standards and customer expectations. His fierce spirit, unmatched work ethic and drive to succeed made him an excellent employee, boss and mentor to many.
Before taking the helm at Rolly’s Body Shop, Brandon often worked second jobs. He was a relentless provider, doing custom automotive work, in addition to many years of bartending in Auburn and Nevada City. Brandon enjoyed music, lively gatherings and people. Almost as much as they enjoyed him.
When Brandon wasn’t working you could find him with his family at the drag strip, wrenching on or building a car for his next track endeavor. He loved cooking for the family, cheering for Taylor in Swimming and Water Polo and watching his beloved Buccaneers with Logan.
Brandon is survived by his wife Lorin Hembree, daughter Taylor, son Logan, brother Anthony Hembree, mother Tammy Woodard and father Thomas Woodard. He will be sorely missed by countless others.
He is preceded in death by grandmother Velma "Dee" Hembree.
