John H. Branson Jr.

John H. (Billy) Branson Jr., departed this life into eternal rest at the Richfield Recovery and Care Center on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. He served in the United States Navy for two years in World War II until his honorable discharge in December of 1945.Mr. Branson went to work for Allstate Insurance Company, where he retired after several years. He was a barber and owned his own shop for 33 years. He was a deacon and elected to serve as chairman of the deacon ministry for Shiloh Baptist Church for many years. Deacon Branson was an active member of two choirs, organized and sang in the Harmonizing Crescendos quartet for 35 years, involved in Missionary Ministry, Men's Fellowship Ministry, founder of the Shiloh Baptist Church Food Bank, president of the Civic League for the City of Salem, and founder of the Carver Touchdown Club. Mr. Branson was an avid walker and devoted himself to walking at least two miles a day for 28 years. He organized and served as a guide for cruise trips for the Martin Travel Agency for many years. Mr. Branson was a member of the Salem Masonic Lodge 120 for over 50 years for which he also served as secretary. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alice Branson, father and mother, John H. and Lucy Bolden Branson, brother, Edward Branson, two sisters, Rebecca Saunders and Charlestina Boston, and great-grandson, Davin Branson. He is survived by his son, Richard (Betty) Branson; five grandchildren, Richard J. Branson, Robin (Darryl) McCoy, Kim (Eddie) Laub, Timothy Branson , Ann Flannagan, and John C. Branson; six great-grandchildren, Darryl II (Taren) McCoy, Ryan McCoy, Darion McCoy, Brandi (David) Branson, Bianca Branson, Aja Laub and Brittni Laub; six great-great-grandchildren, Darren McCoy, Ryan Desean Wilson, Isis Laub, Phoenix Washington, Noah Washington and Jaylon Branson; brothers, Clarence and Herman Branson; his devoted friend and caregiver, Marian Roach; The Bolden Family; devoted ex-daughter-in-law, Loretta H. Brown; special niece and nephew, Jeanelle Wallace and Darryl Branson, of Washington, D.C.; special cousin, Violet Lowery, of Charlestown, W.Va., and special adopted granddaughter, Phyllis Hairston. He is also survived by a host of other special nieces; nephews; and cousins; special friends; church members, and all the wonderful people he met along his life's journey.
Funeral services will be held noon Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Shiloh Baptist Church with the Rev. Adrian E. Dowell officiating. Interment will be in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call for viewing on Monday, March 26, 2012, from noon until 4 p.m. at Hamlar-Curtis and viewing will resume at 5 p.m. at the church. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. at the church. Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.