William E. Brannon was born on Christenbury Farm across the road from Beaver Dam on April 7, 1925. Although born in Davidson, Brannon's family moved to Mount Holly, N.C. while he was very young when his father took a job at American Yarn & Processing Company. Although money was scarce, the Brannons had a car, and other amenities. William was able to occassionally buy candy for himself, and played marbles with the other children in elementary school. In 1934, Brannon's father caught pnemonia and passed away, forcing the family to move in with their grandparents. William helped on the family farmafter school. In 1938, the family moved from Long Creek farm back to Davidson, to the new Gamble farm. Brannon recollected fondly towards the teachers he had in grade school in Davidson. In fall 1940, after his grandfather became to ill to continue to farm, Brannon's family moved to 211 Armour St., still in Davidson, while Brannon was 15 years old. By this time, Brannon, now a junior in high school, asserted that he did not care as much about his grades, and that he was "just getting by in each subject." Brannon was much more excited to be the starting pitcher for the school baseball team. Also for fun, Brannon and his friends would spend time on the Davidson College campus, where they would play the 9-hole golf course free of charge. At age 18, on June 21, 1943, Brannon was drafted into service in the Second World War, beginning service at Camp Croft, S.C. Brannon volunteered and was admitted into the navy shortly thereafter, relocating to a base near Perryville, Maryland in the process. After completing training to be a ship's radioman, Brannon was assigned to the U.S.S. Solomons-CVE-67, docked at Norfolk Naval Base. After several years of service, on both sides of the Atlantic, Brannon was discharged from service on March 6, 1946. Returning from the service, Brannon returned to 315 E. Walnut St., Davidson, determined not to work in the mill. Brannon thus enrolled at Kings Business College in Charlotte, under the G.I. Bill. After completing his accounting course at Kings College in December, Brannon began seeking employment, and found it as a bookkeeper and shipping clerk at Park Manufacturing Company off South Blvd. Later in life, after expanding his resume as an accountant, Brannon found a new opportunity that would allow him to be at home more--working as the Treasurer/Town Clerk in Davidson in September 1974. Brannon continued working for the Town of Davidson for 16 years, before retiring September 1, 1990.