William Thomas Brandon, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, entrepreneur, friend to many, and inspiration to all, was born on June 3, 1943, to the late John and Fannie Brandon. He departed this life on September 8, 2025 at the age of 82.

A proud graduate of Torrence Lytle High School, Huntersville, NC, William went on to serve in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper. After an honorable discharge, he moved to Winston-Salem, NC, where he worked with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Dudley Products, and the City of Winston-Salem/Community Development Department.  He attended Forsyth Technical Community College of Winston-Salem where he obtained a business certificate, which led him to his entrepreneurial path.

William's entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to become co-owner of B&S Bar-B-Que Restaurant; later, he realized a lifelong dream by developing Eastway Plaza Shopping Center on New Walkertown Road. In 1995, William Brandon had the largest black owned shopping center in Forsyth County.

As a steadfast and loyal friend, William spent his spare time gathering for breakfast weekly with a group of long-time brothers from other mothers, fondly referring to themselves as "The Breakfast Club".  Before his health declined, he would be known as an avid golfer with a respectable average score of 95.

William was a long-time member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the senior usher board. His service continued as a Mason with Salem Lodge #139. Though he never attended as a student, Winston Salem State University honorably recognizes him as an alumni due to his consistent contributions to the athletic department and the university as a whole for over 30 years.

He often shared his life philosophy known as the 4 P's: Pray, Plan, Perseverance, & Patience.  A philosophy that gained him the honor of Man of the Year sponsored by Sara Lee Corporation all due to his commitment to the community. This legacy of wisdom will continue to shape the lives of all who were privileged to know and love him. William's contributions to his family, friends, and community have left an indelible mark of love, leadership, and legacy that will live on for generations. William is revered as a meaningful example of family values and following your passion to your fullest potential, never hesitating to teach each generation how to lead, love and be guided by faith.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Andrais L. Brandon. To this union, became their two children, Brent Thomas Brandon (Aleashia) of Salisbury, NC, and Tamika Nicole Brandon of Winston-Salem, NC and their two grandchildren, Damian A. Brandon and Tyler B. Brandon-White.  The union between William and Andrais is dedication personified. The love and support they offered one another is immeasurable and will remain an ongoing, awe-inspiring presence in all who witnessed it. As stated in Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the lord".

William was preceded in death by his sister, Johnnie Mae Atkinson; as well as his beloved mother-in-law, Wilhelmina B. Long; and father-in-law, Robert Long. He will be lovingly remembered by his last surviving uncle, Curtis Brandon Sr.; as well as his surviving siblings, Harold Gene Brandon (Geneva), Mary (Sue) Heaggans (Leonard), Trimona Lomax, Tyrone Brandon (Sharon), Kimbali Brandon Allen, Constance L. Mitchell, and Don Lawrence (Betty); along with a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.

As we celebrate his life, we remember a man who gave deeply of himself to his family, friends and community.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, September 12, 2025 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.