William "Billy" Duke Branch, 78, of Suffolk, VA passed away on October 21, 2012. A native of Princess Anne County, VA he was the son of the late James L. Branch, I and Leila Shannon Branch. He retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard where he was a boiler maker. Billy was a member of the Brethen.

He is survived by his daughter Rita Ann Branch; and three sons and daughter-in-law: John David Branch, William Thomas Branch and wife, Charlette and James L. Branch, II; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and the mothers of his children, Alice Faye Wiggins and Gloria Parrish.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Portsmouth, VA with Tim Fearington officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com