Deacon Claude Edward Branch

Mr.Claude Branch transitioned from this life on Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Deacon Claude Edward Branch Sr. was born March 7, 1932 in Franklin County NC to the late Ella Davis Branch and the late Zebulon Branch. He departed this life on Saturday, March 28, 2020 peacefully at his home in Wendell, NC.

Deacon Branch attended school in Franklin County.  He accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour at an early age. His walk with Christ eventually led him to New Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Clayton, NC; there he grew and was ultimately ordained as Deacon. In January 2008 he joined Walking By Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Sims, NC where he faithfully served as Deacon until his illness.

Before his illness, Deacon Branch was a very hard working man. Most of his adult life he was an entrepreneur; owning his own pulpwood and farming business. His favorite pasttimes was singing, fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Deacon Branch was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife Billie Ruth Branch on December 21, 1992.

He was proceeded in death by his first wife of 36 Years: Ethel Whack Branch; His oldest son: Claude Branch Jr., and three granchildren: Brad Stancil, Charles Edward Branch, and Shamekia O'Neal.

He leaves to cherish his loving wife and faithful caregiver of 28 Years: Billie Ruth Branch of the home. His  wonderful children: Pastor Elma Harris (Rev. Albert) of Clayton, NC, Claude Branch Jr. Deceased  (Rosa Branch) of Smithfield, NC, Charles Branch of Middlesex, NC, Rev. Claudine Marshall (John) of  Zebulon, NC, Claude Mitchell of Durham, NC, Co-Pastor Connie Jackson (Pastor Darryl) of Knightdale, NC, Yvonne Stancil (Daniel) of Garner, NC, Pastor Karen Durant (Apostle Eugene) of Clayton, NC, James Branch (Margaret) of Middlesex, NC, John O'Neal (Sandy) of Raleigh, NC, and Glenda Kearney (Michael) of Zebulon, NC. Two sisters: Elder Edna Lunsford (Albert) of Hillsborough, NC and Ruby Smith of Louisburg, NC, Thirty Two Grandchildren, and a host of Great Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren, neices, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Deacon Branch was truly blessed to have two special, caring, and loving neighbors: Mr. Billy and Mrs. Amelia Dewberry, and four lifetime friends: Mr. Cameron Lee, Mr. Buddy Mitchell, Mr. William "Bill" Steinback, and Mr. Dexter Williams.

Services Entrusted to 

Richard Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc.

Zebulon, NC 

****In compliance to the Executive order we will not be able to gather more than 10 people in a service. Please stay home if you are not immediate family or if you are under the high risk category of catching the Virus.  We do apologize for this but we all have to follow by the mandate to control the virus.  We will post the Obituary on our website for those that cannot attend.

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