Nov. 15, 1949 – Oct. 12, 2016

WOODVILLE — Services celebrating the life of William Harold “Hal” Brannan, 66, who died peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, at his residence after having fought a courageous battle against esophageal cancer for the last 10 months, will be 11 a.m. Monday at Woodville Methodist Church.
Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Newman Funeral Home in Centreville.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time Monday at the church.
The family will host friends in the church annex immediately following the burial.
Mr. Brannan was born Nov. 15, 1949, the son of 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 MSU, 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. He was called home in November 1971, upon the death of his father. For the next 15 years (with little prior experience) Hal successfully ran and expanded the family’s farming operations. In the mid 80s, he 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 landowners to capitalize on the potential that has presented itself due to fracking technology.
Hal loved hunting, cooking and Louisiana State University 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 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.
Survivors include one brother, Hines and wife, Linda; one niece, Kara, all of Atlanta; and one nephew, Davis, of Wilmington, N.C.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.