~ IN MEMORY ~
SO/NWA Capt. William Tappan Brannon III
December 5, 1943 ~ December 3, 2023
Notice of passing….. Capt. William Tappan Brannon
III began his commercial flying career 03-22-1971. He is survived by his wife Charlene "Charlie"
of Destin, Florida, and by his daughters and their families.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/tappan-brannon-obituary?id=53748930
Tappan Brannon Obituary
Heritage Gardens Funeral Home, Cemetery &
Crematory Services
William Tappan Brannon III died on Sunday,
December 3, 2023. He was born on December 5, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana to
parents Dr. William T. Brannon II and Dr. Mary Jane Brannon. Tappan spent his
childhood in Montgomery, Alabama. He served 4 years in the U.S. Navy as a
medic. He returned to Montgomery to attend Huntingdon College where he obtained
his Bachelor's degree. Upon graduation, Tappan began his career of flying. He
flew for the University of Alabama and in 1971 was hired by Southern Airways.
Tappan retired as a Captain from Delta Airlines after a 33 year career of
commercial flying.
Tappan is preceded in death by his parents, his
sisters Candace Ozerden and Avis Gunter, his beloved son Christopher Tappan
Brannon, and grandson Samuel Union.
Tappan is survived by his wife of 43 years,
Charlene ("Charlie") of Destin, Florida, and his daughters Nicole
Gebhardt (Jeff) of Arlington, Virginia, and Christina Vinson (Michael) of
Memphis, Tennessee. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren (Lillian,
Coleman, Harper, Olivia, and Emma). In addition, Tappan is survived by his
sister Donna Coon (Tom) of Huntsville, Alabama, his sister Cordelia Green
(Johnny) of Flowery Branch, Georgia, and his brother Charles Eric Brannon of
Montgomery, Alabama. He is leaving behind many nieces, nephews, and their
families.
Tappan loved to fly, loved the beach, and loved
his family. He will be remembered for his tremendous sense of humor and
appreciation for a good prank.
Arrangements will remain private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
Destiny Worship Center in his honor, or to the church or charity of your
choice.
When Republic closed the Chicago pilot base in the 1980’s, I transferred down to Memphis to fly F/O on the DC-9. I had many flights with Tappan and he was by far one of my favorite pilots to fly with. He was truly a gentleman through and through and his sense of humor and smile were infectious…you could not help but feel good being around this wonderful guy. We spoke at length about the horrible tragedy losing his son and I was then and have remained in awe of his outlook on life’s twists and turns. I was very sad to read of his passing in the Jan/Feb issue of ALPA magazine. My deepest condolences to his family and friends…it was an honor to have known Tappan and he remains in my prayers.
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