Robert Branch

Robert Branch

LUMBERTON — Robert Earl Branch, 82, passed away Jan. 21, 2014, at Southeastern Hospice House of Lumberton.

The funeral will be 6 p.m. today at Floyd Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Michael Bowen officiating. Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at Meadowbrook Cemetery of Lumberton.

He was born in Robeson County on June 22, 1931, to the late Claude W. Branch and the late Emma S. Branch. He was formerly employed as a communications supervisor for N.C. Highway Patrol for 45 years.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey J. Branch, and his brother, Charles W. Branch.

He is survived by his sons, Artie Branch, of Holden Beach, and Glenn Branch and wife Denise of Fairmont; his daughters, Anne Marie Smith and husband Alan of Garner, and Gracie McClary and husband Kip of Whiteville; a brother, Carey Branch of Lumberton; two sisters, Catherine B. Thompkins and Claudia B. Cooke, both of Lumberton; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The visitation will follow the service until 9 p.m. today at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105, or to Southeastern Hospice House, 1100 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, N.C., 28358.

On-line condolences may be made by visiting: www.floydmortuary.net.