William Goode "Bill" Branch of Lutherville died  at 89 years old on August 23, 2024. Raised in Winter Haven, Florida, he was the son of Clifford and Elizabeth Branch. His father was an industrial fire insurance representative and his mother, a homemaker and school teacher.

Bill graduated from Winter Haven High School, where he was senior class president and an Eagle Scout. He went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a BS in Business and a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. As signal officer on the USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39), he served in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In 1962 he was recalled to active duty for the Berlin Crisis as communications officer on the USS Greenwood (DE-679). He retired as a lieutenant.

After his naval service, Bill began a forty year career in broadcasting, beginning as a disk jockey and quickly moving into sales and sales management. His career took him to Tampa, New York City, Washington D.C., and finally to Baltimore in 1976.

An avid tennis player, he belonged to the L'Hirondelle Club of Ruxton for over 35 years and the Homeland Racquet Club. He played tennis twice weekly into his late 80's. When not on the court, he and his wife, Honor, loved to travel and socialize with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Honor Richardson Branch of Towson; daughter Mary Elizabeth  (Branch) Foard, son-in-law John R. Foard, twin granddaughters, Lindsey and Caroline Foard, and his friend and first wife, Lindsey Chappell Branch of Severna Park; stepdaughter Dr. Honor Ame Walesby and grandson Ethan Garnier of Catonsville.

There will be a celebration of life on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11am at L'Hirondelle Club, 7611 L'Hirondelle Club Rd, Towson.