Russell M. Branch

Russell M. Branch, 89, went to be reunited with his wife in Heaven on Saturday, December 27, 2014.  Born in Burke County, NC on December 21, 1925, he was the son of the late Russell McKinley Branch and Dora Mable Lefevre Branch.  Russell was a member of Glen Alpine First Baptist Church.  Mr. Branch was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, having served aboard the USS Chilton, stationed in the Pacific.  He was one of the first employees of Western Carolina Center and worked there for over 30 years.  Russell was a member of the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics, the Veterans Chat Group, and was a charter member of the National Hot Rod Association.

Russell is survived by his children, Beverly Branch Hyatt and her husband, Jack, and Steve M. Branch and his wife, Barbara, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Stacy Costner and her husband, Billy, Tonia Laws and her husband, Jonathan, Caroline Nelson and her husband, Jimmy, Jackie Hyatt, and Josh Branch and his wife, Jessica; and great-grandchildren, Josie, J.W., Daisy, T.J., Anna, Savannah, Scarlett, and Sophie.

In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Joyce Ann Propst Branch; and a brother, Charles L. Branch.

The graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Snow Hill United Methodist Church with Mr. Floyd Thomas and the Rev. Rich Magnuson officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the N.C. National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 43, P.O. Box 572, Morganton, NC 28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.