Name of Deceased:Staff SSGT (Ret.)John Branch Age: 85 Address: 1475 Penn Road Orangeburg, SC Date of Death: Monday, May 19, 2014 Circumstances: died at the Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg, SC Funeral Information: Time: 11:00 am Place: Williams Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Orangeburg, SC Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 Burial Location: Belleville Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg, SC with full military honors Officiating: Rev. Dr. Caesar R. Richburg and Rev. Allen W. Parrott **Mr. Branch will be placed in the church one hour before the service. John Gordon Branch was born June 15, 1928, to Lawrence C. and Lena Gordon Branch in Augusta, Georgia. On Monday evening May 19, 2014, John left his earthly vessel, and entered into eternal rest with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At an early age he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and joined Cumberland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, in Aiken, South Carolina. In 1972, John transferred his membership to Williams Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, Orangeburg, South Carolina - a church he grew to love and support throughout his life. Johnny, as known by his family, was also affectionately called "Sarge". After graduating from Lincoln Memorial High School in Aiken, South Carolina, he attended Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina where he played football. John was a sports enthusiast. In 1962, he met and married the love of his life, the late Helen Stokes Branch. Later enlisting in the United States Air Force, John traveled to many countries around the world. After retiring as a Staff Sergeant from the Air Force in 1972, he was employed by the Orangeburg School District (Number 5) until his retirement in 1994. John was an active member of numerous organizations. Some included: Allen University Alumni Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #1066 - Life Member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Life Member United States Air Force Sergeants Association - Life Member Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated His parents and his wife, Helen Stokes Branch, preceded John in death. He leaves to cherish his memory: a daughter: Brenda Esau of Orangeburg, South Carolina; two sons: Ira Hearn of Key West, Florida and Lawrence Branch of Columbia, South Carolina; two sisters: Rebecca Custis of Woodbridge, Virginia and Jean Rapelyea of Woodbridge, Virginia; sisterin-law: Bettie Slaughter of Jamaica, New York; nieces: Linda Holt of Fort Washington, Maryland, Norma Jean Hackett of Woodridge, Virginia, Davinci Hackett of Woodridge, Virginia, Cheryl Hackett of Albany, New York, Juanita Hackett of Albany, New York, Ruby Hackett of Albany, New York and Evelyn Gray of Woodbridge, Virginia; nephews: Dusty (Kay) Hackett of Orange County, Virginia and Charles (Pat) Watkins of Baltimore, Maryland; great-niece: Laryse (George) Thompson of Woodridge, Virginia and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing for the public will be held on Monday, May 26, 2014 from 10:00 am-8:00 pm at the funeral home. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 6:00- 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Williams Chapel AME Church Endowment Ministry, 1198 Glover Street, Orangeburg ,SC 29115.