William Archie Branton, Jr.

William Archie Branton, Jr., age 76, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, October 1, 2022. "Bill" was born on April 24, 1946, in Portsmouth, Virginia to William Archie Branton and Valera Sterling Branton. First and foremost, Bill was a true follower of Jesus Christ as his Savior. Bill was an entrepreneur of several successful businesses prior to his retirement. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed stock market trading, studying prophecy in the Bible, sitting on the porch with his beloved wife, Ashley, at the end of every day, going to the beach, and spending time with his family! Bill and his son, Michael, and his daughter, Nikki, shared a passion for all kinds of music. Fondly known as "BB," he was especially proud of his grandchildren, Ella Grace and William. BB, Ella Grace, and William enjoyed long talks, listening to music, and collecting baseball cards. Mostly, we ALL loved going to "BB's beach!"

Bill was extraordinary and magnetic! He LOVED people and he loved HIS people passionately! He also loved helping people no matter the situation. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Ashley Lee Pralinsky Branton of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Kelly Nicole "Nikki" Branton Jaramillo and husband, Luis Felipe of Aledo, Texas; son, William Michael Branton of Fort Worth, Texas; granddaughter, Ella Grace Jaramillo; grandson, William Knox Jaramillo; mother of his children, Andrea Branton-Wyatt of Fort Worth, Texas; and cousins, Carolyn Branton Hoffman and Judy Branton Piland of Portsmouth, Virginia.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Archie Branton and Valera Sterling Branton; and his "second parents," Bee and Mary Branton.

In lieu of flowers, Bill was a committed supporter of St Jude's Children's Hospital, Grace House Ministries and Tunnels to Towers.