Wilson Brannon

In Memory of Wilson Lee Brannon ("Bill/Billy")

Born May 9, 1934 entered the peace of heaven March 16, 2020

A beloved husband, father, and son. He was born in Atlanta GA to Lester Travis Brannon Sr. and Esta Brannon (Cherry). Married to Doris G. Burnette of Birmingham AL on June 21, 1964. He passed as a resident of Royal Palm Beach, FL at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Doris Brannon (Burnette) of Royal Palm Beach, FL; daughter Dora Lee (Brannon) Shive and son-in-law Bryan S. Shive of Myerstown PA; daughter Cherry A. Brannon of Royal Palm Beach, FL; granddaughter Anna K. Shive of Manchester, NH;  granddaughter Esther L. Shive of Myerstown PA; and several cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was a career chemist for the FDA in Washington DC. His final title was Analytical Review Chemist which gave him the opportunity to be involved in several key pharmaceutical projects one being transdermal patch delivery of medications and another the epi-pen delivery of life saving medications. Working in a spectroscopy lab for the FDA before becoming an Analytical Review Chemist was his most beloved work of his career. Upon his retirement he became an employee of PetSmart as he had a life-long dream of working in a pet store. He also served as a Pharmacist in the United States Army at Walter Reed prior to working for the FDA.

Before and while residing in Germantown MD (1973 – 2012) he was an avid Redskin football fan as well as a fan of many other sporting events, patron of many Broadway theaters (Student Prince was his favorite production), lover of all things nature and astronomy, and tropical fish and herpetology hobbyist. Camping, fishing, and outdoor leisure activities were all greatly enjoyed by him. Modeling, coin and stamp collecting, boardgames and playing cards were his favorite pastimes.  Also, a faithful member and deacon of Greenridge Baptist Church.

Bill was the most fun loving and kind husband, dad, and grandpa that anyone could have. He loved to laugh at everything and was constantly joking around with others “cha,cha,cha!” Elephants and everything circus were a passion of his, in fact his first date with his soon to be wife was the circus. Loving people and encouraging them was so important to him and evident to all who knew him. Cheering others on gave him joy. He even had a unique cheer call which was at times accompanied by a cow bell and affectionally called the “Bill hoot” or “Bill cheer”. Talking about snakes, turtles, and various other critters was his calling card. Anyone who met him knew this very quickly.

In 2012 he moved to Florida with a final residence in Royal Palm Beach. While in south Florida he enjoyed going to the beach, South Florida Science Museum, Kravis Center, Zoo, the South Florida Fair, and especially Lion Country Safari. He loved being at lakes where he would watch for all kinds of wildlife and in later years looking out his window watching for birds. A day never went by without the daily newspaper, a cold coke, popcorn or jellybeans, and the warm Florida sunshine that he loved.

Bill Brannon lived a full life and will be missed by so many and cherished in the hearts and memories of all who loved him. His life and example of how to truly live has made this world a better place.

Interment will be at Valhalla Cemetery in Midfield, Alabama at 10:00 a.m. on Monday March 30, 2020. No funeral services will be held due to COVID 19 concerns for immediate family members.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Lakeside Funeral Home & Cremation Care Family, "Where Every Life is Cherished & Every Family is Treasured" 

11347 Okeechobee Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lakesidefuneralcare.com for the Brannon family.

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