George D. "Junie" Branch, Jr.

1955 - 2022

Mr. George David Branch, Jr., “Junie”, 66, transitioned to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at VCU/MCV Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. 

George was born on June 26, 1955, in Manhattan, New York, to the late Mr. George David Branch, Sr. and Mrs. Myrna Annette Branch.  George attended Catholic school while in New York.  Once he came to Virginia, he continued his education in Petersburg City Public Schools.  George graduated from Petersburg High School in 1973.  After graduation, Junie attended Virginia State College majoring in Business.

Mr. Branch accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized by Rev. Clyde Johnson and became a member of First Baptist Church.  Later he became a member of Holy Rosery of Richmond, VA, and often visited Emmanuel Worship Center in Petersburg, VA.

George had a love and passion for safety and security.  In the early 80's, George worked as a security officer at John Randolph Medical Center.  He later was employed at the former State Penitentiary of Virginia in Richmond.  After the closing of the Penitentiary, Mr. Branch worked security for A. H. Robins Pharmaceutical Company which later became Pfizer in Richmond, VA. Years later, Mr. Branch became interested in campus security.  He was offered a campus security position at Virginia State University and worked there for many years.  Throughout the years, Junie made many friends who were his extended family.

Junie was loving, cherished life, and had a wonderful sense of humor.  There was not a day he was not making his friends, family, and even strangers laugh.  He was a storyteller and history fanatic.  George was passionate about the research he conducted on historically black schools of the east coast region.  Mr. Branch also loved photography and capturing the beauty of the world from different perspectives.  

Mr. Branch is preceded in death by his father, Mr. George David Branch, Sr.; his son, Geoffrey L. Branch; sister, Ms. Michelle Dillard, and brother-in-law, Mr. James R. Harris III.  Mr. Branch has several loving family and friends who will continue to cherish the joyous memories of him his mother, Mrs. Myrna Branch of Petersburg; two sons, Christopher Branch (Amber) and Paul Branch both of Richmond, VA; two granddaughters, Leia Branch and Ceonna Elam both of Richmond, VA; two grandsons, Genesis Branch and Ayden Cousins both of Richmond, VA; sister, Donna Branch-Harris of Prince George County, VA;  three nieces, Danielle Collier of Petersburg, VA, Khalayia Harris and Jalynn Harris both of Prince George County, VA; one great-niece, Denim Renee Collier of Petersburg, VA; last but definitely not least, Debra Taylor, the love of his life for seventeen years. Mr. Branch also has a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  George adored his family of fur babies, Lady, Misty, Max, Phin, and Ren Knight.

George was a gentle giant but a strong fighter.  His faith and determination helped him to face the diagnosis of cancer and gave him the courage to fight.  During his stay at the hospital, he touched the hearts of the nurses and doctors that cared for him through his humor and positive demeanor.  A special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of VCU/MCV Medical Hospital.  These earthly angels were a blessing to George.  They will always have a special place in the hearts of George’s family. 

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Neal Young, eulogist. The interment to follow at Blandford Cemetery.

The family will assemble 9:45 AM the day of the funeral services at the residence of George’s sister, Donna “Dee Jay” Branch-Harris, 1207 Lemonwood Drive, North Prince George, VA 23860.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.