William Daniel Brandon, Sr.

William Daniel Brandon, Sr., of Livonia, Michigan, passed away on March 6, 2026 at the age of 91. Born on January 8, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, William led a life marked by dedication, service, and family commitment.

William married his wife Barbara on July 14, 1956, they started their lives together in an apartment in downtown Plymouth, MI. They soon moved to their first house in Livonia, MI, where they welcomed son William Daniel Brandon Jr, and 18 months later, son Douglas Alan Brandon. As a small family of four they moved a few more times and welcomed daughter Deborah Ann Brandon while living in Livonia. William and Barbara made their final home in Milford, MI. After Barbara passed in 2007, William moved to Ann Arbor and wintered in Florida. William later moved to Fenton, MI and continued to winter in Florida for several years. William’s final move was back to Livonia, MI where he resided with his daughter & son-in-law for four years.

William is survived by his children, William (Joan) Brandon, Jr., Douglas (Helen) Brandon, and Deborah (Ken) Hyde, grandchildren Jessica Hooper, Daniel (Melinda) Hyde, Katie (Josh) Moses, and Joseph Brandon He was also the loving great-grandfather to Alleah, Brooklyn, Adelynne, and Aiden, whose lives were brightened by his presence.

He is lovingly remembered by his siblings, David (Naomi) Brandon, Ingolda Brandon, and Mary (David) Gabler.

William was preceded in death by his late wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage, a constant source of love and support throughout his life. He was also preceded by his mother Ingolda, father Wallace, brothers Wallace (Merlyn) Brandon, Phillip (Barbara) Brandon, Richard (Betty) Brandon, Thomas (Violet) Brandon, Roderick (Mary Lou) Brandon, James (Jeanne) Brandon.

In his early years, William, aka Bill, had various jobs including working at a department store in Detroit wrapping gifts of fine China, working on a farm helping with horses, and planting crops, and working at his uncle’s gas stations from time to time. Later he was hired by General Motors working his way up to become an executive manager at General Motors’ Detroit Diesel, Allison division where he dedicated numerous years of his career to the advancement of the automotive industry and where his leadership and expertise left a lasting impact.

In his retirement Bill worked at the Milford Presbyterian Church, where he did several building projects to help maintain and update the “Little Church on the Corner” as he deemed it and the name stuck! Bill had his own saw sharpening business and eventually started to work on fixing clocks. He was a wonderful wood craftsman where he made several pieces of furniture and even did wood carving. He was very talented. Bill never questioned if he should or could do something, he just did it! If you ever needed something done around your home or office, he was the go-to guy.

Bill loved to have his family around as much as he could, making it a point to call, text or drive to visit them. He especially loved family reunions and educated the younger generation on family history. “It is important to know where we come from” he would say.

William “Brother Bill” was a proud life member of the Masons, ending as a member of Plymouth Rock Lodge #47. For an impressive 67 years he reflected their commitment to community and fellowship.

Visitation for William will be held at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main Street, Plymouth, MI, on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 2 PM to 7PM, with a Masonic service starting at 6:30. Those who wish to honor the memory of William are invited to consider making a contribution to American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.

Additional visitation will continue at the First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth, 701 Church Street, Plymouth, MI, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 starting at 1:30 PM until the funeral service starts at 2 PM. A Celebration of Life luncheon to follow the funeral service at Plymouth Rock Lodge #47, 495 Amelia St. Plymouth, MI 48170.

Internment will take place at the Milford Memorial Cemetery in Milford, MI on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10 AM.

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