Pastor, Honorable Judge, Dr. William McKinley Branch of Forkland, Alabama entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 13, 2014 at UAB Hospital, Birmingham, AL at the age of 95. Born in Forkland, Alabama in severe poverty, Dr. Branch became the first African American Probate Judge in the United States of America. Celebration of Life services for Dr. Branch were held Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 12:00 Noon at Greene County High School, 623 Mesopotamia Avenue, Eutaw, Alabama 35462. Rev. Fred D. Moore officiated. Interment followed in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation was held Friday, January 17, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the William McKinley Branch Courthouse, 400 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, AL 35462. Wake Services were held Friday, January 17, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Highway 43 South/2035 County Road 41, Forkland, AL 36740. Precious memories of Pastor, Honorable Judge, Dr. William McKinley Branch will last forever in the minds and hearts of his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Mrs. Alberta Carpenter Branch of Forkland, AL and children: Pastor William McKinley Branch, III (West)Forkland, AL, Prophet Thaddeus Donnell Branch (Carolyn), Forkland, AL, Pastor Patricia Branch Craig (W. Calvin), Jacksonville, FL, Mr. Malcolm Connell Branch(Gloria), Forkland, AL, Ms. Alberta Branch Howell, Tuscaloosa, AL, Mrs. Vivian Branch Carpenter (Rick) and Mrs. Wanda Branch Jennings (Vincent), Tuscaloosa, AL; sister, Mrs. Vera Branch Coleman, Detroit, MI; twenty-five grandchildren, sixty great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, a devoted cousin (Nettie Combs), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends. He and his wife, Alberta assisted in the rearing of his nephew, Mr. Lounova Branch, Mrs. Antoinette McGraw Rowe Dansby (deceased) and Ms. Piccolia McGraw Farmer.