Jackie Dean Branch

Mr. Jackie Dean Branch, 55, of Walnut Cove, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026. Mr. Branch was born August 5, 1970, in Surry County, one of three sons born to the late James William “J.W.” Branch, Sr. and Joan McQuinn Branch. Dean was known for his warm smile and joyful spirit. He loved Southern Gospel music and enjoyed keeping up with the newest songs and current events in the Southern Gospel community. He was also a longtime fan of The Oak Ridge Boys. Dean loved going to church. While the family lived in Dobson, he faithfully attended Piney Grove Baptist Church, and after moving to Walnut Cove he attended First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Dean was an avid Duke basketball fan and a proud member of the Surry County Special Olympics Bowling Team. He also enjoyed playing Sims games. Although Dean faced many health challenges throughout his life, he never allowed them to define him or keep him from enjoying life and the things he loved, including the Eldora Handicamp. He is survived by two brothers, James William “Sonny” Branch, Jr. (Pam Cave) of Walnut Cove and Dewayne Branch of Parrish, FL; his nieces and nephews, Jared and Melanie Branch of Goldsboro, Patrick Branch and Johnna Roberts of Walnut Cove, and Ciani Branch of Parrish, FL; and his great-nieces, Rhiley Branch and Piper Branch, both of Goldsboro, and Maddilyn Branch of Walnut Cove. In addition to his parents, Mr. Branch was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ira Clellan McQuinn, Sr. and Ethel Gertrude Rackley McQuinn; and his paternal grandparents, William Dillard and Lillian Stephens Branch. A service of worship and celebration of Dean’s life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Moody-Davis Funeral Home Chapel in Dobson, with the Rev. Brandon Eaton officiating. Burial will follow in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Cemetery in Walnut Cove. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eldora Handicamp, c/o Kevin Simpson, 1994 Twin Oaks Road, Elkin, NC 28621; or First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), P.O. Box 337, Walnut Cove, NC 27053.