Earl Lesley "Buddy" BRANCH

BRANCH, Earl Lesley "Buddy"

92, passed away Sept. 6, 2016, as a result of a stroke. Today he walks with our Lord. He was born in Tampa and was a lifelong resident. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hortense "Sue" and is survived by his adoring daughter, Susan Roberts and husband Tom; grandson, Matthew Roberts (Barbie); granddaughter, Jennifer Overton (Brantley); great-grandchildren, Bowen, Caroline, and Davis Overton. Buddy was a devoted husband, loving father and father-in-law, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather "Papa". He was a "Buddy" and loved by all who knew him. He loved to laugh and tell jokes and had an amazing zest for life. Buddy never met a stranger and enjoyed living at John Knox Village for the past four years. Buddy is a member of the first graduating class of Jefferson H.S., served in the U.S. Navy during World War ll, worked 33 years for Otis Elevator, was a Mason, and owned Tampa Bay Hardware. He attended Wesley Memorial Methodist with his wife Sue, and in the past year has attended Forest Hills Presbyterian with his daughter and son-in-law. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, at 10:30 am at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 709 W. Linebaugh, Tampa, FL 33612. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Buddy's honor to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, or to the charity of your choice.