William R. Branks, 73, of Panama City Beach, FL passed away Saturday, August 19, at Bay Medical Center.

Bill was born in Kearny, NJ and relocated to Clearwater, FL during childhood. He graduated from Dunedin High School in 1963 and promptly entered the military, serving in the US Air Force. Upon leaving the military, Bill began a long career in the telecommunications industry, working all over the US and Saudi Arabia. Upon his retirement, he moved to Maryville, TN before returning to Florida in 2015.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie (Poucher), sister, Mary and son, Rodney Ristau. He is survived by sons Scott (Melissa, VA), Dale (Lara, NV) and Jason (Kathleen, PCB); six grandchildren and three great grandchildren; brother David (Kathy, Maryville, TN), sister Barbara (Clearwater, FL), numerous nieces and nephews, and his faithful companion and comfort dog, DD.

Services will be held at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, August 24 with visitation from 3-4 p.m. and memorial service from 4-5 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alaqua Animal Refuge Center, 914 Whitfield Road, Freeport, FL 32439 or at alaqua.org to support the facility that brought DD into Bill's life and gave him so much joy over the last year and a half.