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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Mr. William D. ("Bill") Brandon
William D.
("Bill") Brandon
Oct 7, 1943 — Nov 21, 2015
Mr. William D. ("Bill") Brandon's Obituary
W
illiam David (Bill) Brandon, Sr.
was born October 7, 1943 in Huntsville Alabama. He was the 4th child born to Elmore Brandon Sr., and Savoy McDonald Brandon. William "Bill" Brandon took his last breath at Huntsville Hospital on Saturday, November 21st, 2015 at the age of 72. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmore and Savoy McDonald Brandon, his sister Kathy Brandon, and his brother, Elmore Brandon Jr.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Lena Vance Brandon, with whom he enjoyed 19 years of faithful love and devotion. They were married in Huntsville, Alabama on December 7th, 1996. Bill is also lovingly remembered by his children William Jr.(Toni), of Valdosta, GA; Phyllis, of Harvest, AL, Anthony (Janice) of Huntsville, AL; Richard (Alicia), of Decatur, AL; Michelle, of Huntsville, AL; Sonjo, of Harvest, AL; Devon Monique (Grant), of Fairborn, Ohio; A very special niece Carla (Stacy), of Harvest Al; His stepchildren include Robert, Latresa, and Sherry Rogers, of Huntsville, AL; Ebony and Jimmy Robinson, of Stafford, VA; Tommie Bryant, and Nena Vance, of Raeford, NC; and Jubar and Karran Vance, of Huntsville, AL. In addition to this, Bill is remembered by his brother Curtis Brandon (Louise), of Huntsville, AL; His sister Marva Volair, of Raleigh, NC; and a host of grandchildren, great-grands, as well as family and friends.
Bill was educated in the Huntsville City School district, attending William H. Council High and UAH. He played the trumpet in the high school band and developed a strong passion and love for music. Bill's musical gifts extended beyond playing trumpet, as he swiftly become a professional at the guitar, drums, as well as songwriting and arranging. Not only was Bill gifted in playing various instruments, but his gift to sing opened many doors for him in the entertainment industry. Many of you will never forget the soul stirring, dynamic performances of Bill Brandon and Sweet Loraine!
He was signed to Quin Ivy's production company in 1967 and recorded a southern soul classic, "Self Preservation" that Percy Sledge covered. A second highly sought after single, "Rainbow Road", issued in 1968 was released by Tower Records. It was written about and for Arthur Alexander (You Better Move On #24 Pop, 1962) who ended up recording it four years later but Brandon's recording remains the definitive version. Bill is credited for the recording and production of many songs that include Stop this Merry Go Round, The Streets Got My Lady, Special Occasion and many more!
Bill's music gained him international recognition as he has performed throughout the United States as well abroad in Canada, and France. He was known for having a spirit of excellence, and for doing all things well. He would always say, "There are no short-cuts to perfection," and this was the standard by which he lived his life.
Bill Brandon left the music business behind in 1987 when he transitioned into a career path more like that of his father, the late Elmore Brandon, who served in the Transportation Industry. Bill continued in the spirit of excellence as a highly skilled Vehicular Transporter for just over nineteen years. He has received rewards and certificates for safety, and excellence for his outstanding contribution to the Trucking Industry. He continued successfully in the trucking industry, until he could no longer serve due to health challenges, which led to his retirement in 2005.
On May 22nd, 1988, Bill confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama, under the leadership of Pastor Ricky L. Sykes. Withholding nothing, he began to use his gifts in the church, where he sang under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We will never forget how the Lord ministered joy, hope, love and peace through him while singing songs such as "Jesus You're the Center of My Joy", "My Soul has been Anchored", "Someone to Lean On", and "Your Grace and Mercy", just to name a few. Of all of his accomplishments in life, surrendering to Christ is what gave him the most joy. In 2009 Bill rekindled his passion for songwriting and arranging, and co-authored, with his step-daughter Ebony Robinson, "Choose the Lord," "In you I Live," as well as, "Without you I Just Can't Find My Way."
Bill has enriched so many lives, and his legacy will never be forgotten! As his soul rests in Christ Jesus until the day of redemption, may we continue in the spirit of excellence in all that we do. Praise the Lord that this is not the end for Bill, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16)."
We will see you in the Morning, take your rest….
Funeral service for Mr. William D. ("Bill") Brandon will be Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church (2562 Bob Wade Lane - Harvest, AL) with Pastor Ricky Sykes officiating.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Lena Vance Brandon, with whom he enjoyed 19 years of faithful love and devotion. They were married in Huntsville, Alabama on December 7th, 1996. Bill is also lovingly remembered by his children William Jr.(Toni), of Valdosta, GA; Phyllis, of Harvest, AL, Anthony (Janice) of Huntsville, AL; Richard (Alicia), of Decatur, AL; Michelle, of Huntsville, AL; Sonjo, of Harvest, AL; Devon Monique (Grant), of Fairborn, Ohio; A very special niece Carla (Stacy), of Harvest Al; His stepchildren include Robert, Latresa, and Sherry Rogers, of Huntsville, AL; Ebony and Jimmy Robinson, of Stafford, VA; Tommie Bryant, and Nena Vance, of Raeford, NC; and Jubar and Karran Vance, of Huntsville, AL. In addition to this, Bill is remembered by his brother Curtis Brandon (Louise), of Huntsville, AL; His sister Marva Volair, of Raleigh, NC; and a host of grandchildren, great-grands, as well as family and friends.
Bill was educated in the Huntsville City School district, attending William H. Council High and UAH. He played the trumpet in the high school band and developed a strong passion and love for music. Bill's musical gifts extended beyond playing trumpet, as he swiftly become a professional at the guitar, drums, as well as songwriting and arranging. Not only was Bill gifted in playing various instruments, but his gift to sing opened many doors for him in the entertainment industry. Many of you will never forget the soul stirring, dynamic performances of Bill Brandon and Sweet Loraine!
He was signed to Quin Ivy's production company in 1967 and recorded a southern soul classic, "Self Preservation" that Percy Sledge covered. A second highly sought after single, "Rainbow Road", issued in 1968 was released by Tower Records. It was written about and for Arthur Alexander (You Better Move On #24 Pop, 1962) who ended up recording it four years later but Brandon's recording remains the definitive version. Bill is credited for the recording and production of many songs that include Stop this Merry Go Round, The Streets Got My Lady, Special Occasion and many more!
Bill's music gained him international recognition as he has performed throughout the United States as well abroad in Canada, and France. He was known for having a spirit of excellence, and for doing all things well. He would always say, "There are no short-cuts to perfection," and this was the standard by which he lived his life.
Bill Brandon left the music business behind in 1987 when he transitioned into a career path more like that of his father, the late Elmore Brandon, who served in the Transportation Industry. Bill continued in the spirit of excellence as a highly skilled Vehicular Transporter for just over nineteen years. He has received rewards and certificates for safety, and excellence for his outstanding contribution to the Trucking Industry. He continued successfully in the trucking industry, until he could no longer serve due to health challenges, which led to his retirement in 2005.
On May 22nd, 1988, Bill confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama, under the leadership of Pastor Ricky L. Sykes. Withholding nothing, he began to use his gifts in the church, where he sang under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We will never forget how the Lord ministered joy, hope, love and peace through him while singing songs such as "Jesus You're the Center of My Joy", "My Soul has been Anchored", "Someone to Lean On", and "Your Grace and Mercy", just to name a few. Of all of his accomplishments in life, surrendering to Christ is what gave him the most joy. In 2009 Bill rekindled his passion for songwriting and arranging, and co-authored, with his step-daughter Ebony Robinson, "Choose the Lord," "In you I Live," as well as, "Without you I Just Can't Find My Way."
Bill has enriched so many lives, and his legacy will never be forgotten! As his soul rests in Christ Jesus until the day of redemption, may we continue in the spirit of excellence in all that we do. Praise the Lord that this is not the end for Bill, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16)."
We will see you in the Morning, take your rest….
Funeral service for Mr. William D. ("Bill") Brandon will be Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church (2562 Bob Wade Lane - Harvest, AL) with Pastor Ricky Sykes officiating.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
Funeral Services for Mr. William D. ("Bill") Brandon
Funeral
November
28
Saturday
New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
Starts at 1:00 pm
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