Billy Ray Branch passed away March 27, 2021 at the age of 91. Billy was born June 2, 1929. Billy Ray, sometimes known as B. R. Branch or "Wild Bill" depending on how he was serving. Bill was a Storyteller, Tail Twister and a Gag Buster to boot and enjoyed serving his church, city, county and country.

Bill graduated from the Ole' Wylie High School located in wide awake Wylie, Texas.

Bill was 19 years old when he started serving in the United States Air Force. He worked at Kraft Foods in Garland, Texas for a few years on the assembly line. It was there a young lady struck his fancy by the name of Billie Ruth Williams. They were married in New Hope Church in November of 1952.

Shortly after their wedding day Bill got wind of a job opening down at the local lumberyard in Garland, Texas by the name of Mitchell - Goodwin Lumber Company. He strolled on down there and met up with a few of his longtime friends that worked there… Gris and Paul Grisham, Gerald McCreary and Loyde Oakley just to name a few. Bill was hired on the spot. Bill worked there for over 30 years and then was given an opportunity to buy it and changed the name to Superior Lumber Company of Garland. Then he hit the ground running… burning up the tracks of the Katy Railroad hauling loads of prime lumber and supplying boards and nails for custom homes, schools, churches, cities and businesses all over this town and Proud to do it!

Bill was still hankerin' to make a difference. He got wind of this club that you could join and get home cooked meals every meetin' time prepared by a precious lady named Mrs. Leibfried. He wasted no time in joining the Lions Club in Garland, Texas. Bill claimed good food always brings the man in… and it did, membership was off the charts. By 1989 Bill served as President and he was Proud to do it.

Now Bill and his family were strong supporters of the local Future Farmers of America better known as FFA. The family will be quick to tell you: Bill took his "Bid to Buy" seriously! He had been around the ranching business with his own Daddy, Johnny M. Branch most of his adult life. Bill knew how to run the bid up high and suddenly he'd be leaving a few local businessmen holding the bag and walking out with livestock. Bill believed in keeping the youngin's pumped up to continue on in their future endeavors. In 1977, the profits had been good and Bill and family went to the auction! Bill's "Bid to Buy" paid top dollar and he ticketed out with 25 livestock and again he was Proud to do it!

By 1981 Bill and his family transferred their membership from Temple Baptist Church to First Baptist Church in Garland. Bill's next mission was to help with the building fund to get the "McDonald Building" erected. Needless to say the building fund was another the he enjoyed and was Proud to do it!

Bill was a true businessman. For well over 50 years and enjoyed every minute of it and was Proud to do it!

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Billie Ruth Branch, his mother; Inez Christopher Branch, His father; Johnny Monroe Branch, His brother; Morris J. Branch, his son; Donny Ray Branch, and his granddaughter; Jennifer Lee Thompson.

Bill is survived by his daughter; Phyllis Branch Thompson, his son; John David Branch, his granddaughters; Cheryl Branch and partner Christian Buitrago in Colorado, Kimberly Branch and partner Jason Lantagne in New Hampshire and Jocelyn Thompson McDonald and husband Ronnie in McKinney.

Bill's surviving great-grandchildren; Breanna Marie Kiester and Elio Ray Buitrago in Colorado, Keely Jade Thomas and Parker Gunnar Tibbets in New Hampshire, "Madie Mc" McDonald in McKinney.

Bill's surviving nieces; Brenda Considine and Vicki Shamburg in Rowlett, Texas.

Before the placement of Our Father's Dash to include his Date of Death..

A Special "Thank You" to;

Pastor Jack Schmidt, Past Greg Ammons, Pastor Dickson Rial

And each of You for Caring so… because we couldn't have made the Journey Without You!

Our Father; Billy Ray Branch, Daughter; Phyllis Branch Thompson and Son; John David Branch.

The family request in lieu of flowers you make a memorial donation to

First Baptist Church of Garland Building Fund

https://firstfocus.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/247/responses/new

or

The Gideons International

https://gideons.org/donate