William Peter "Bill" Branch passed away Monday, May 18, 2020 at the age of 59.
Graveside services will be 10:30 am Friday, May 22, 2020 at White Rock Cemetery in Ross Texas. Come and go viewing will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Bellmead Funeral Home.Bill was born May 9, 1961 in Waco, Texas to Kenneth and Bonnie Branch. He graduated from La Vega High School in 1979 and worked at General Tire & Rubber Company for several years until they closed. He then started his professional career by attending McLennan Community College and obtained a degree in Computer Science. He began working at Texas Life Insurance Company in Waco, Texas as a computer programmer and continued there for numerous years. During this time, he pursued additional education by attending Baylor University. He finished his career as an IT Manager after 20 plus years of service at EMSI in Waco. In November 1991 Bill married the love of his life Candy Cay Brockett and then moved to Leroy Texas. He enjoyed spending time with his family and being outdoors. Some of his favorite memories were spent at the lake fishing and camping in his RV. Some of his hobbies included restoring antique tractors, gardening and caring for his animals. His pets were very special to him. His vast wisdom and support was something you could always depend on and will be greatly missed.
He was a member of Leroy United Methodist Church and served as a board member on the Leroy, Tours and Gerald water department.Bill was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Branch; and a sister, Debra Strahl.
Survivors include his wife, Candy Branch; his mother, Bonnie Branch; his daughter, Lisa Raymond; his brothers, Joe Branch and his wife, Brenda, Danny Branch and his companion, Joy and John Branch and his wife, Jodi; 2 grandchildren, Justyce and Savannah; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Stephen L. Richey, M.D. and his team at the Texas Oncology Ft.Worth Cancer center.
Condolences(17)
Lisa Tessmann-Truelove
Mart, TX Sunday, May 24, 2020 Dear Candy and all of the Branch Family:I want to extend my deepest sympathy to everyone one for Billy's much too early departure. Billy was a really good guy, always willing to lend a hand, with a great personality. He could be so funny. He and Candy were the perfect pair. I will always remember Billy and I'm sure he's hanging out with Mr. Branch now, swapping stories.
Lisa Tessmann -Truelove
Jim LaVelle
Dallas, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020 My sincere condolences to his wife, daughter Lisa, and grand-daughters as well as all of Bill's family. May your wonderful memories sustain you during this sad time. Blessings!Sherrie (Poston) Chapman
Lorena, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020 I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing. I've known him since I was a kid growing up in Bellmead. He helped me get hired at Texas Life. He had a great personality and could always make you laugh! My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to your family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.Linda & Terri Hugo
West, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020 We are so sorry to hear about Bill. Our prayers are with the entire family.Kathleen Bouldin
Cedar Park, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020 So sad to hear. He was always so nice and friendly. Prayers for Bonnie and his family.Keith Hoeffner
China Spring, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020 Some people know a little about a lot of things, but Bill knew a lot about a lot of things. As a colleague at EMSI, Bill and I spent many hours talking about a lot of stuff. He was certainly our go-to guy when it came to IT challenges, but he was also my personal go-to guy when it came to advice or fixing just about anything. And when it came to tires, he was a Michelin man all the way, convincing me to spend the big bucks on Michelins. Bill fought the good fight and deserves eternal rest with his Savior -- although if there is anything in Heaven that needs fixing or if St. Peter uses an AS400, he may not be getting much rest.Linda Pfeiffer
, AL Thursday, May 21, 2020 I knew Bill thru work at EMSI. He was always kind and helpful. I enjoyed my time working with him. He always spoke kindly of others. My thoughts and prayers for your and your family.Cindy Milner
Axtell, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020 I am sending heartfelt condolences to Bill's family. I knew Bill from his many years at EMSI. He was so smart about so many things and I loved his dry sense of humor. I've thought about him often after his departure from EMSI and it always did my heart good to see him in town occasionally. He was a good person, gone way too soon and he will be missed. Rest in peace.Ronnie&Natalie Poston
Robinson, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020Mike Gaines
Waco, TX Thursday, May 21, 2020 It's always very sad when good people pass away. Bill was one of those people. Many workers at EMSI's Premier Solutions operation relied on him to keep their system up and running and he always came through.More importantly he was a genuinely nice guy, well respected throughout the company and with their customers. Regardless of the pressures of the day or the late night calls he always remained calm and professional. We especially enjoyed his light hearted banter and sense of humor.
Rest in peace, Bill, we miss you.
Cathy and Kevin Groppe
West, TX Wednesday, May 20, 2020 We are very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your beautiful memories together.Cindy Shockley
Waco, TX Wednesday, May 20, 2020 I worked closely with Bill for many years and learned a lot from him. He was a great guy and loved his family, tractors and fishing. He will be missed. Prayer to the entire family. May he rest in peace!Delia
Boerne, TX Wednesday, May 20, 2020 I worked with Bill for many years at EMSI, I learned a lot. I can remember him talking about fishing, tractI worked with Bill for many years at EMSI and learned a lot from him. We had some great conversations. May he rest in peace.
Beth Hikel
Elm Mott, TX Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Candy, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you all.John K
Waco, TX Wednesday, May 20, 2020 I worked with Bill at TL and PMSI / EMSI. I enjoyed just talking with him about fishing and other things. We even did a little crappie fishing together. He was a great person.Ramiro
Rosebud, TX Wednesday, May 20, 2020 I knew Bill for many years and learned a lot from him. He was a good man. May he rest in peace.Holle's
Hewitt, TX Tuesday, May 19, 2020 Joe and Family, Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Hold close your memories and know he is in a better place and whole again. You all will be in our prayers. Love, Stuart & Lori Holle