• Willie Lee “Bill” Branim Jr.

    December 16, 2017

  • Willie Lee “Bill” Branim, Jr. of Hot Springs Village, AR, died late in the evening of December 16, 2017 at the age of 63.

    He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Linda Branim; “his boys” Luke (Katie) Branim and Zeke (Rachel) Branim; mother, Delphia “Dee” Branim; sister, Karen (Dale) Peak; brother, Stephen Branim; as well as many beloved extended family members and friends.

    He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Lee Branim, and sister-in-law, Lisa Branim.

    Bill attended the University of Memphis, where he earned a BS in Biology, an MS in Chemistry, and an MPA in Health Services Administration. From Baptist Memorial Hospital, he earned an MT in Clinical Laboratory Science. Bill also held a Diplomate in Laboratory Management. He enjoyed a long career working in medicine first as a Phlebotomist, then as a Medical Technologist, and later as a Medical Laboratory Director at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, TX, and DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa, AL. Retiring early, he was able to fulfill one of his passions by teaching as an adjunct instructor at National Park College in Hot Springs, AR where he was affectionately known as “Dr. Bill.” Beyond his career, he was a storyteller, scuba diver, musician, golfer, protector, practical joker, history buff, author, woodworker, coach, and he was very, very loved.

    A celebration of life will be held for Bill in the Chapel of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at 480 S Highland St. in Memphis on January 14, 2018 at 2:30 p.m., followed by a reception in the parlor. Please enter the church from the Midland Ave parking lot.

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  • 10 comments

    Don and Doris Jackson

    23 Dec 2017

    What a tremendous loss. Our heartfelt sympathy to the entire family.

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    Ellen Wood

    23 Dec 2017

    Many happy memories of You, Bill! Prayers for all of You, Linda. I'm so very sorry to hear this.

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    David R Day

    23 Dec 2017

    A great man.. Leader if young men.. He will be missed but not forgotten.

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    Sandra Sue Webber

    23 Dec 2017

    Deepest sympathies to a remarkable family. May he rest in peace.

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    Don and Doris Jacksin

    24 Dec 2017

    We are so sorry for your lose. You are all in our thoughts

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    Mildred Albright-Hampton

    26 Dec 2017

    Dear Family, so sorry to hear that Bill is no longer with us and has gone to his heavenly home. I worked with Bill for many years at LeBonheur's and last visited with him at our annual get together last year. He will be missed by many. Sending prayers to you his family, and so sorry he will not be with you during this holiday season. May you have comfort in knowing he had many friends. Mildred Albright

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    Gene and Karen Pounds

    27 Dec 2017

    Our prayers and love to Bill’s family. May God wrap you in His arms and comfort you always.

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    The Herschell Duncan family (Herschell, Nell, Mike, Mary Nell and Mark

    5 Jan 2018

    I’ve known Billy’s family (the family in which he grew up) since the early 1960’s and his younger brother Stephen is like a brother to me. Billy was a few years older, but I remember him well from my youth. I remember him pulling into church on Sunday’s in his Subaru Young, which was a tiny little car, and thinking how does Billy fit in that car? I also remember and have photos of our families camping together so many years ago. Billy was always just the sweetest, good natured fella you’d ever want to be around. I saw very little of him in later years, but kept up with him through Stephen, hearing about Linda, Luke and Zeke, and his career and interests. He certainly was not one to observe life from the sidelines and obviously lived it to the fullest. God Bless you Billy Branim, and I know God will. To his sweet mother Dee, his beloved sister Karen, my dear friend Steve, and to Linda, Luke and Zeke, my family’s thoughts and prayers are with you. I bet Billy has already reunited with his father, Bill Sr.. Maybe they even skipped over to my Dad’s for coffee. When I think of my Christian faith and the opportunity in heaven to be reunited with loved ones, the Branim family is at the top of the list. God Bless you all.

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    Charlotte Braden

    5 Jan 2018

    I am deeply saddened. Family, my prayers an thoughts are with you.

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    Bobbie McMinn and family

    6 Jan 2018

    Billy was a wonderful man who we watched grow and traveled with as he grew. Our family loves him and we are blessed to know him. God has welcomed a special person into heaven and we will see him again. God bless the family with love and peace. We love you all as our own family.

    Reply