William Edward "Bill" Branch

William Edward "Bill" Branch, a 52-year resident of Redlands, California, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at the age of 93. Bill was born on March 23, 1931, in Oxford, North Carolina, to William E. Branch Sr. and Irene S. Branch. At the age of 5, he moved with his family to Washington, D.C., where he grew up.

Bill met his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Lynn, while attending Eastern High School in Washington, D.C. and they married in 1951. Bill attended the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and soon discovered his lifelong passion for aviation. Bill was commissioned as an officer in the newly established United States Air Force, where he served proudly for 21 years. Throughout his military career, Bill served as a pilot, flight instructor, flying safety officer, and as part of the Inspector General’s office. He also earned a Master’s degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Bill retired in 1975 with the rank of Colonel at Norton Air Force Base.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bill transitioned to a career in real estate, becoming a licensed broker and founded the Branch Cooch Real Estate Company, which he and his partner operated for 15 years in downtown Redlands. He and Lynn later co-founded a tax service on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino, where they provided tax preparation, planning, audit representation, and collections services to the local community.

Bill believed strongly in giving back to his community. He volunteered as a tutor with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program and supported Pilots N Paws, an organization dedicated to flying rescued dogs to their new homes. He was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Redlands. Bill continued his passion for aviation and was a member of the Riverside Flying Club until he opted to stop flying at the age of 84. He then took up golf as a new hobby.

A man of deep faith, Bill was an active member of the churches he attended throughout his life, both during his military service and in retirement. In his later years, he was a devoted member of Sovereign Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Redlands.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Lynn Branch; his children, Carla Christensen, John Branch, and Christine Gianunzio; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A funeral service for Bill will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00am at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel, 703 Brookside Avenue, Redlands. A reception to celebrate Bill's life will follow at the home of his son, John Branch, located at 317 Edgemont Drive, Redlands, CA. 

Should you wish to express your sympathy, the family kindly suggests a donation to Sovereign Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 499 West State Street, Redlands, CA 92373.