William "Billy" Branning, Jr.

Funeral services for Billy Branning will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Bro. Dennis Robinson & Bro. Andrew Black officiating. Burial will be held at Pine Forest Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Billy Branning, age 76 passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020, at his home with his family by his side.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Billy, knows of his lifelong love of “everything automotive”. His passion for cars led him to a 50+ year career in the auto parts business, most of which were in commercial sales.  During his career, he became one of the most respected parts men in Meridian.

Billy loved attending car shows (he even judged a few). He was also an avid drag racing fan. Not too many Saturday nights passed that he wasn’t at Battlefield Dragstrip watching his friends race and helping them with their cars in the pits.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Sue Branning; sons, Barry Branning (Lesia) and Chris Branning (Deanna); grandsons, Bobby Branning (Stacy) and Austin Branning; great granddaughter, Dawson Noel Branning; mother, Edna Earle Branning; siblings, Marie Muse (Carl) and Johnny Branning (Deb); several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father William Clarence Branning, Sr; brothers, James Branning, Joe Branning, and Charles Branning.

Pallbearers will be Rusty Tolbert, Robert Cochran, Dave Neal, Ronnie Nixon, John Blythe, and Mike Farmer.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Sonny Swearingen, Michael McBride, and Myke Shirley

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.