From Proud Heritage, Volume II by DCPA. This hardcover book is available online.
William Thomas Brannon was the third son of John Wesley Brannon, Sr., who was born 1873 in Jackson, Mississippi. He married Cora Elmore Tuggle, who was born 12 March 1879 in Dallas, Texas. She died 19 April 1937 in the family home at 1210 Fort Worth Avenue. Wesley and Cora are both buried in the Struck Section of the Western Heights Cemetery, 1600 block of Fort Worth Avenue.
Their children were:
- Arthur Lee Brannon, born 2 January 1896, died 26 August 1967.
- Marvin Henry Brannon, born 20 May 1897, died 12 July 1937.
- William Thomas Brannon, born 3 September 1898, died 4 December 1965.
- Cecil Dee Wilton Brannon, born 6 June 1901, died 4 October 1965.
- Clarence Kenneth Brannon, born January, 1902, died 13 October 1966.
- Willie Clyde Brannon, born 4 March 1904, died July, 1966.
- Ruby May Brannon, born 19 November 1905, died 25 May 1982.
- John Wesley Brannon, Jr., born 15 October 1909, died 3 May 1967.
- Luther Albert Brannon, born 30 September 1911, died 8 October 1985.
- Margaret Elizabeth Brannon, born 30 January 1915, died 1 October 1989.
- Bertha Lee Brannon
William Thomas “Tom” was born 3 September 1898 in Dallas, Texas, and died 4 December 1965. He was named in honor of his grandfather, William Thomas Tuggle (born 31 March 1843, died 26 July 1925). William Thomas Tuggle became a carpenter. He married Mary Ellen Cole, born 5 December 1845 and died 4 July 1928. she was the daughter of Calvin Cole, an early pioneer of Dallas. Tom and Mary Ellen are both buried in Western Heights Cemetery where there is an historical marker in her honor. She was a member of Dallas County Pioneer Association.
Mary Ellen Cole’s father was Calvin Green Cole, the oldest son of Dr. John Cole, who owned land in Highland Park and held office as first probate judge. He was also a pharmacist, doctor, and farmer. His granddaughter, Mary Ellen, said he had a herb garden “on the east side of Turtle Creek (now known as Lakeside Drive) to assist with his doctoring.” As we view the “Million Dollar Pecan Tree” and all the streets named for the Coles, we look back and think of those days.
William Thomas Brannon worked for Zeese Engraving Company. His wife, Vernon, worked for Mason Engraving Company. She resigned to become a homemaker at 1234 Walmsley, Dallas, Texas. Depression brought unemployment for Tom. Their home was on a double lot and he built a building at back of the property. Zeese gave him a hand press and Brannon Printing Company was established in 1926 located at 1820 N. Edgefield, Dallas. His logo was “The Master Printer.” Business grew and he acquired the printing for the Baptist Book Store. Lacy Ray Keele was the manager. The store built a building on the back of his property to store supplies. The Sunday School Board in Nashville took over the printing and the building became Tom’s. He was one of the first printers to print magnetic ink checks. He printed for large and small businesses, wedding and party needs, churches and individuals. He also sold office supplies, and bought and sold real estate. Vernon was right by his side whenever needed and was his secretary, bookkeeper, and manager of the bindery and delivery. Their children were William Thomas Brannon, Jr. and Mildred Brannon Collins.
After World War II, Tom, Vernon, and their son, Tommy, formed a partnership. They relocated the business to a large building they built at 1215 Castle Street, Dallas, Texas.
Tom was highly regarded by his family, church, and business acquaintances for his love and generosity to his fellow man. He was a member of the Trinity Valley Masonic Lodge, AF&AM, Scottish Rite and a member of North Oak Cliff Baptist Church. Tom died 4 December 1965, and is buried in Laurel Land Cemetery. Vernon is now a member of Hampton Place Baptist Church.
Tommy and Vernon continued the business until he died in 1974. Tommy was a member of North Oak Cliff Baptist Church. He is also buried at Laurel Land.
By Mildred Brannon Collins
