William Harold "Hal" Brannan

1949 - 2016

William Harold (Hal) Brannan passed away peacefully on October 12th at his home, having fought a courageous battle against esophageal cancer for the last ten months. Hal was born on November 15, 1949 to Davis and Jane Brannan. He loved everything about Woodville and the state of Mississippi and made it his home for all of his 66 years. Hal attended Mississippi State University, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Banking. At State, he was an active member of SAE fraternity and various business organizations. After college, Hal joined the National Guard where he received recognition as an outstanding soldier and leader. Hal was called home in November, 1971 upon the death of his father. For the next fifteen years (with little prior experience), Hal successfully ran and expanded the family's farming operations. In the mid 80's, Hal transformed Brannan Farms into a tree farming operation. He branched out into the real estate field obtaining his broker's license. When his mother became ill in 1992, Hal returned to Woodville to support her and ensure the future of Brannan Farms. In recent years, Hal researched and became immersed in the oil business in Wilkinson County. He worked with fellow land owners to capitalize on the potential that has presented itself due to fracking technology. Hal loved hunting, cooking and LSU baseball. He supported the team with barbecues on game day and deer hunting at his farm. No one loved trips to the Baseball College World Series in Omaha more than Hal. He was on a first name basis with the hotels, taxi drivers and "good food" restaurants. The loves of Hal's life were his nephew and niece, Davis and Kara. They often visited him in Woodville where he gave them much advice and encouraged them during their formative years. Closely behind his love for them were his faithful companions, Brittany and Hank, who never left his side. They were provided a great life and will truly miss his "dog conversations." Hal is survived by his brother, Hines, sister-in-law Linda, niece, Kara, all of Atlanta, and nephew, Davis, of Wilmington, North Carolina. Hal was a member of the United Methodist Church and also attended the Macedonia Church. Both contributed immensely to his faith and ability to handle his fierce journey during the last year with dignity and hope. The service celebrating Hal's life will be at 11 am, Monday, October 17, at the Woodville Methodist Church. Visitation will take place prior to the service beginning at 9:30 am. The family will host friends in the church annex immediately following burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Newman Funeral Home in Charge of Arrangements. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.