John Branch

BRANCH, John, "Wayne," loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who met him, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at the age of 76. Wayne is survived by his dedicated wife of 58 years, Linda Branch; three children, Joey, Jeff and Robin (Dean); five grandchildren, Courtney (Jordan), Ashley, Will, Erin and Scotty; four great-grandchildren, Logan, Caedmon, Jase and Peyton; brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law, Van, Susan, Wanda and Judy; and his beloved fur baby, his cat, Nell and beloved Pey-Pey Bear. He also leaves behind his brother, Gary; his sister, Jean; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille Branch; and his brothers and sister, Wallace, Bill and Janice; father and mother-in-law, Don and Audrey Matthews; his brother-in-law, Warren Dean Jr.; and his father-in-law, Warren Dean Sr. He was a witty, fun and hardworking man. He had a way of fixing his hair just right, like an honorary member of the Rat Pack. With his quick wit, he always made your day a little brighter. He worked with the motto of every day is Monday, eight days a week; if you ever needed him, he would call you and he would always say with a smile, "aren't I cute?" He was a lover of westerns, George Jones, Andy Griffith and his chocolate ice cream, but most of all he loved his family. He loved to dance and would always look on the bright side of things, no matter how hard things may have been. He was a pillar to his family and will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends 1 to 2 p.m. at Bliley's - Central on Thursday, May 6, 2021, followed by a graveside service at Greenwood Memorial Gardens at 3 p.m.