On Saturday, March 5, 2011 of Gaithersburg, MD. Mr. Branson is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen C. Branson; four children Helen L., William L., Ernest W. (Amy), and Lindsay (Nelly) Branson; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mr. Branson, a WWII Navy pilot and retired Lt. Commander, retired from PEPCO after 45 years service. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD (Valet Parking) on Thursday, March 10 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Graveside service and interment Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD on Friday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial Service will be held at Asbury Methodist Village, Guild Memorial Chapel, 211 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD on Friday March 11 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to World Vision at www.worldvision.org.