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Ernest Branch Obituary
Rich Square
Ernest Twisdale Branch died peacefully at Transitions LifeCare on May, 31, 2015 in Raleigh, NC at the age of 97. Ernest is survived by his wife, Nannie Ellen Branch of Raleigh, formerly of Rich Square; daughter, Phyllis Lassiter and husband, Allen, of Rich Square; and son Kenneth Branch and partner, John Ringo, of Raleigh. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Wright Branch. Additionally, surviving Ernest are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christopher Lassiter and wife, Valerie, of Raleigh and children, Sophie and Brendan; Kathryn Lassiter Henderson and husband, Douglas, of Durham and children, Edie and Reid; and Jon Stephen Branch and wife, Aislinn, of Winton and children, Jacob and Layla. Also remaining is his sister-in-law, Nancy Branch of Rich Square. Finally, he is survived by beloved nieces and nephews and their children as well as a host of life-long friends.
Ernest was born on June 12, 1917 in Halifax County, North Carolina to Ernest Leroy and Mabel Twisdale Branch. He was the second oldest of eight children. After relocating to Rich Square, Ernest completed high school, served in the U.S Army during World War II, and a completed a 31-year career the rural letter carrier for the U. S. Postal Service. This was in addition to his part-time work as a butcher and grocer, which he began at the age of 18 in 1935 and continued for 45 years.
The family would like to thank the medical teams at The Covington and Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, who provided compassionate care during Ernest's final weeks.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 A.M., Thursday, June 4, 2015, at the Rich Square United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bob Licht officiating. The burial will follow at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square, NC.
The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 pm on Wednesday, June, 3, 2015, at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Rich Square. At other times, the family will welcome friends at the home of Allen and Phyllis Lassiter in Rich Square.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Services is handling the arrangements for the Branch family and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Branch
Terry Saint
June 4, 2015
Ken, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You know you are in my thoughts and prayers. No matter the age of our parents, it is difficult to lose them.
Love you,
Terry
Pam Kinsey-Barker
June 3, 2015
Ken, Memories of a wonderful spirit will always sustain you. Your father must have been a blessing to you and your family and I know he felt comfort in the love and care you showed him in his final days. You are in my thoughts and prayers - may you find comfort in the love surrounding you.
Richard Vaughan
June 3, 2015
Sorry for the loss of such a nice gentleman. The family can be proud of his many accomplishments. Mr. Branch stopped at my mailbox many many times.
Susan Spivey
June 3, 2015
Dear Ken and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers, daily, for strength and peace during this time of grief. May all of your special thoughts of your Loved One make for a joyous celebration of his life.
Love in Christ,
Susan Spivey
Barbara Pearman
June 3, 2015
Ken, My thoughts are with you and John as you move through these difficult days.
Carolyn Melton
June 2, 2015
Ken, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rodney Nelson
June 2, 2015
Ken, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thinking of your father reminds me that Rich Square is such an important part of my family's heritage and is a place of some special childhood memories. May your special memories of your father sustain you and give you peace now and always.
Sylvia Lucas
June 2, 2015
My thoughts and concerns are with you both Ken and John. Bless you.
Al Ward
June 2, 2015
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chip Shackelford
June 1, 2015
Grief and heartache, pain and sorrow,
That's what's in this life for me;
But when all of life is over
From this pain I'll be set free.
If I walk the straight and narrow
And do the best that I can do
When I leave this life of sorrow
I'll go home to be with you
In the paradise eternal
Where you have a place for me;
And I'll know eternal gladness
As your reward to me;
So let me always keep my focus
On the world beyond this earth
Where in your eternal kingdom
I will have my sweet rebirth.
Thoughts and Prayers
Chip and Angelia Shackelford
Cathy Horton
June 1, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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Funeral services provided by:
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service - Rich Square Chapel116 Short Street, Rich Square, NC 27869
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