Obituary of Nathan Branch, Jr.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. ~Eccles. 3:1-2 Nathan was born October 16, 1935, to Nathan Branch, Sr., and Queen Estelle Burrell Branch. He was the eldest of nine children. At an early age, Nathan accepted Christ and joined The Mount Olive Baptist Church, Cumberland, VA. Subsequently, he moved his membership to The Rocky Mount Baptist Church, Cumberland, VA, Nathan was a loyal and diligent servant embracing spiritual and social relationships with both churches. Nathan received his education in the Cumberland County Public School System, graduation from the Luther P. Jackson High School. After graduation, he was employed in various occupations, before honorably serving in the United States Army. Nathan belief in helping others also led him to joined Freemasonry with the same common goal: to become a better man. He worked within the Virginia State Department of Corrections, where he was employed as a Master Plumber for over 20 years until his retirement. Loving and missing being around people, he located employment at the Country Store (Stop-In) in Cumberland. Nathan never met a stranger and was quick to say "I'm Nathan Branch from Cumberland County" as his opening statement. From there his smile would win you over. Nathan met and married Ella Evans in December 1959. Nathan and Ella had four children, Cassandra, Dale, Faye, and Diane, whom he loved dearly. After the passing of Ella, Nathan became a single parent – never complaining and striving to do his best for his children. He was later blessed to meet Delma Davenport, whom he married in June 1977. Nathan cared dearly for his devoted dog companions, Lincoln, and Denver. His dogs became part of the family and were often seen happily riding with Nathan throughout the community. He also enjoyed competing in horseshoes, a good game of pool and watching his favorite game shows on television. Nathan was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, Ella, and Delma; four brothers, George, Webster, Charlie, and Walter; one sister, Mary; and one granddaughter, Aloysha Ghee. Nathan Branch, Jr. of Cumberland, VA was called to his heavenly home on April 13, 2023, at his residence. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his children, Cassandra Baker (Joe), Dale, Faye Smith (Paul), and Diane Shackelford (James); two brothers, Ellis (Katherine) and John Branch; one sister, Freda Langhorne (Thomas); six grandchildren, Craig Brooks (Tarisha), Dion Robinson, Brittany Branch, Candice Baker, Evan Smith (Shannell), Avis Boykins (Aaron), and Jordan Shackelford; eleven great grandchildren, five sisters-in-law, Louise Baker, Barbara Davenport, Julene "Renee" Branch, and Irene Branch, Linda Branch; one brother-in-law, Oscar Davenport (Gayle). Also left to mourn his loss are his loyal caregiver, Juanita Pryor and caring classmates, Howard Sims, Nathaniel Cox, and William Brown. A special "thank you" to siblings, Ellis, and Freda, who were constantly there for their brother. Dad This world has many heroes, Our dad knew most of them by name. Its apparent that they gave their best, And they deserve their fame. But among all of the heroes this world has ever had, There's not one that we admire, more than our precious Dad. He is more than just a hero, He never looks for praise. He's heroic in his quiet strength, And his caring ways. He was not famous as those, You hear about or see. But he was everything and so, much more a hero ought to be. He kept his word, it was as good as gold, On this you could depend. He was honest and loyal too, We were proud that he was our friend. When we heard about a hero and The special things that were done, It reminds us of our dad! for he was the greatest one. Acknowledgements The family would like to thank you whether you called, stopped by, sent a card, or said a prayer during our time of bereavement. May God bless you and His love be yours to share.