Obituary of George William Branch

George William Branch was born to Nathan, Sr. and Queen Estelle Burrell Branch on January 1, 1938 in Cumberland, VA. George confessed Christ and was baptized early in age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cumberland where he remained as a faithful member. He served on the Men's Chorus Ministry, Trustee Ministry, and as the Church Treasurer for many years. George spearheaded the Mt. Olive Memorial Rally for a number of years. After graduating from Luther P. Jackson High School in 1957, George began to work as a Butcher at Godsey Store. In 1961 to 1964 he served in the United States Army. Upon completion of his duties, he returned home to Cumberland and married his soul mate and best friend, Laura Susan Baker on November 29, 1964. George went to work for a while at Craddock Terry Shoe Factory and then later at Stackpole Component. In 1969 George and Sue moved to Washington, DC and worked for the United States Postal Service. While in DC, he received a certification in Television Repairs and Electrical Supervision from Hyattsville Technology School. In 1973 they moved back to Virginia and George became a part of the Phillip Morris work team, where he worked for 20 years and 8 months until he retired in 1992. After retirement, he worked for Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home from 1995 to 2011. He also became an entrepreneur; owning a lawn care business until death. George loved the people and communities of Cumberland County, serving as a member of the American Legion, Post 134 and on the Cumberland Volunteer Recuse Squad, where he became a lifetime member. He was a hard worker but in his spare time you could find him fishing, spending quality time with his grandchildren, telling jokes to all, or hunting with the Moon Hunt Club of Buckingham, VA or the Powhatan/Midlothian Hunt Club. On, Friday, September 13, 2013 George departed this life peacefully at his residence. He was preceded in death by his father, Nathan, Sr. and two brothers, Charlie and Walter Branch. Memories of George will be remembered by his devoted and loving wife of 48 years, Laura; 1 son, Clentis Branch; two daughters, Renarta McFarland (Shannin) and Sasha Branch; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; mother, Queen Estelle Branch; 4 brothers, Nathan Branch, Jr. (Delma), Webster Branch (Renee), Ellis Branch (Katherine) and John Branch (Angela); 2 sisters, Mary Branch and Freda Langhorne (Thomas); mother-in-law, Loyce Lewis; 1 sister-in-law, Wilma Herndon (Charles); 1 brother -in-law, Samuel Harvison; Shirley Barksdale, Shelia Hardy and Angela Glidewell whom he thought of as daughters and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, several devoted, Joe C. Allen, Sr., Ernest Allen, Sr. and Eddie "Stoney "Trent.