William Branch

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are Mine” – Isaiah 43:1

William Branch was born to the late Frank and Lillie Mae (Pittman) Branch on January 24, 1951, in Halifax, North Carolina. William, more affectionately known as “Bill” by friends and family, was the youngest of seven children. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Allen Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He remained strong and unwavering in his faith and love of God.

William received his formal education through the Weldon City School System and graduated from Weldon High School in Weldon, North Carolina. He grew up loving the game of baseball and was featured in local newspapers alongside his older brother, Nathaniel, as they led their high school team to a championship during his sophomore year. He later enrolled at Halifax Community College, where he completed two years of additional education before moving to New York City to join his older sisters.

While living in New York City, William met his wife, Purlinda, and shortly after, they relocated to Philadelphia, PA, where their union was blessed with two sons. He was a dedicated husband, father, and hard worker. William began his career with Trailways as a bus operator and later worked as a route delivery driver for various companies, including Drake’s, Herr’s, and Coca-Cola. He later moved to Norfolk, VA, where he returned to his passion for driving buses and was employed with Hampton Roads Transit until his retirement.

William was a true people person who could spark up conversations and make new friends wherever he went. He loved spending time with his family and was always the life of the party at cookouts and gatherings. He was especially popular among his nieces, nephews, and his sons’ friends for his humor and crazy childhood stories. Even toward the end of his journey, he remained positive and never lost his sense of humor, no matter what life threw his way.

God knew the hills were getting harder to climb and peacefully called William home as His own, on March 7, 2025. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many others whose lives he touched. William will be remembered for the profound impact he had on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Treasured memories will remain with his daughter, Keeya Ware (Milton); his two sons, William Carnell Branch (Lori) and Lamar Branch (Yamilec); his precious grandchildren, Brandon, Justin, Christian, Calil, Layla, Amarah, Ania, Elisa, Jeremiah, and Noah; his caring and devoting sisters; Bernadine Smith and Elaine Deloatch (Romie); his loving sisters-in-love, Joyce Billups and Rhinea Branch; three generations of nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.

William is now reunited with his parents; his brothers, Melvin, Raymond, and Nathaniel; and his sisters, Dorothy (Dot) Covil and Barbara Braswell.

“We will always carry your memory in our hearts” – The Family 

I am always with you. A limb has fallen from our family tree that says, “Grieve not for Me”. 

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was Strong!