William Harold Branch

BRANCH, William Harold TSGT, USAF Retired, was born June 8, 1923 in Lowndes County Alabama to Luther and Era Mae Holliday Branch. He played football for and graduated from Hayneville High School. He entered military service in 1943. He served at bases throughout the United States. His tours overseas include Korean War, WWII and the European –African – Middle Eastern Campaign. His last duty assignment was as Assistant Flight Line Chief, 10th Aeromedical Transport Squadron, Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. During his career he has been awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Badge, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver Loop, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. After his retirement from the military he was employed by Coca-Cola Company until his retirement in 1988. He was predeceased in death by his oldest son, Alan Branch. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eloise Hall Branch, his son Steve Branch (Kathy) of Montgomery and his daughter Angela Branch Drain (Bob) of Jacksonville, FL. Seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Two sisters, numerous nieces and nephews. Pall bearers will be Rick Hall, Christopher Heath, Robbie Campbell, Rod Campbell, Darren Russell and Chase Ellis. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Brandon Dasinger officiating. Burial will follow in Alabama Heritage Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.