Ray Edward "Maloney" Branch

Ray Edward "Maloney" Branch, 55, of Hill Street, Drexel, NC died Monday, February 12, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital following several years of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC, on March 26, 1951, he was the son of Bessie Jean "Monk" Branch Maloney and the late James Andrew Maloney. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Will and Willie Branch and Andrew and Anna Maloney. Ray was a very loving son, brother, father, and grandfather. A dedicated family man and hard worker, he had made peace with his maker.

Mr. Branch is survived by his mother, Bessie Jean "Monk" Maloney with whom he made his home; a son, Billy Ray Branch of Morganton, NC; a daughter, Michelle "Punkin" Stancil of Morganton; brothers, Larry Maloney of Glen Alpine, NC and Randy Maloney of Morganton; sisters, Janet Norman of Morganton, Sharon Maloney of Drexel, Sandy Wilhide and husband, Bart, of Forest City, NC, and Dawn Mull and husband, Butchie, of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Tyler, Christopher, Savannah, D.J., and Nicolas; seven nieces, three nephews, and thirteen grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at McDowell Independent Presbyterian Church with Reverends Dennis Carswell and Danny Sprouse officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence, 106 Hill Street, Drexel.