Willie “Dick” James Brandon

Willie James Brandon, affectionately known as “Dick,” 86 of Hope, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

He was born on April 5, 1939, in Hope, Arkansas, to the late Willie Lee Brandon and Lydia Lewis Brandon. Dick grew up in Hope and attended the segregated Henry Lee Yerger School, where he was active in sports—football being his favorite. After graduating, he briefly served in the United States Army before returning to his hometown.

He was united in marriage to his soulmate, Annie B. Brown Brandon, and together they raised three children. After her passing, Dick was blessed to find love again and later married Versie Lee Hill Brandon, who also preceded him in death.

Dick was a hardworking man who spent many years employed at the local handle mill and wire plant, eventually retiring from the handle mill. In his earlier years, he was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—fishing, barbecuing, playing dominoes, and spending time with family and friends. His presence, wisdom, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick was also preceded in death by his aforementioned parents; two brothers: Richard Brandon and Gary Lavon Brandon; sisters: Charlie Brandon Johnson and Rosie Lee Brandon Davis; grandchildren: Antwan Brandon, Rolyn Hearon, Gregory White, Mercedes Brandon and a brother-in-law, Robert Ellis.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sons: Willie Dean Brandon (Ruby) and Stanley Eugene Brandon; a daughter, Annette Brandon Carrigan all of Hope; sisters: Eola Ellis of Hope and Malinda Martin Johnson (Raymond) of Little Rock; a sister-in-law, Alberta Lee “Peaches” Brandon of Malvern, Arkansas; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Homegoing Celebration honoring his life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Hope. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. He will be laid to rest at Cave Hill Cemetery #2.

Dick’s online guest book is available below.