Willie L. Branim

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Willie Lee “Bill” Branim Jr., of Hot Springs Village, Ark., died late in the evening of Dec. 16, 2017, at the age of 63.

He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Linda; “his boys,” Luke (Katie) and Zeke (Rachel); mother, Delphia “Dee”; sister, Karen (Dale) Peak; brother, Stephen; as well as many beloved extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Lee Branim, and sister-in-law, Lisa Branim.

Bill earned Master’s Degrees from the University of Memphis in Chemistry and Health Services Administration and an MT in Clinical Laboratory Science. He held a Diplomate in Laboratory Management.

He enjoyed a long, varied career working in medicine beginning in phlebotomy and culminating as a Medical Laboratory Director at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, Texas, and DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Retiring early, he fulfilled his passion for teaching as an adjunct instructor at National Park College in Hot Springs, Ark., where he was affectionately known as “Dr. Bill.”

Beyond his career, he was a storyteller, scuba diver, musician, golfer, history buff, author, woodworker and coach. He was very, very loved.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 2018, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 480 S. Highland St., in Memphis, followed by a reception in the parlor.

Please enter the church from the Midland Avenue parking lot. Charitable donations in lieu of flowers are appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale – The Hot Springs Village Funeral Home.

For online condolences, please visit http://www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.