Willie Branch

Willie Branch Jr. departed this life on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock, AR. He was 65 years old.

Willie was born January 11, 1950 to Willie & Marvell Branch, the firstborn of nine children, in Dumas, AR. Willie was very studious as a young man and graduated from Wolf Project High School as valedictorian in 1966. He attended AM&N College (UAPB) graduating with honors in 1969. He continued his educational goals by attending Arkansas State University to complete his masters and Ed.D in 1976.

He spent 42 years in the educational system in Blytheville, AR as a teacher and principal. He retired in 2011. He was a minister of the gospel for over 20 years & pastored Unity Evangelistic Ministries in Blytheville, AR.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremiah Branch.

Willie is survived by his wife of 46 years, Electa Branch;

one son, Willie (Rita) Branch III of Moundville, Ala.;

Four grandchildren, Tiffany Branch, Willie Branch IV, VaShaun Wiggins and Jareah Branch;

Two great-grandchildren, Ja'Niya Branch and Takayla McClendon;

His parents, Willie & Marvell Branch;

Seven siblings, Marvia (Thomas) Lackey of Ft. Worth, Texas; Victor (LaVerne) Branch of Jackson, Miss.; Dr. Vye Branch-Watson of Jonesboro, ; Kenneth (Dana) Branch of Ivanhoe, Ill.; Dwayne (Anita) Branch of Springfield, Va.; Darrell Branch of Watson, Ark.; David (Geraldine) Branch of Potomac, Md.

He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends all around the world.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 12:00-1:00 PM at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Blytheville, AR with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM. A second visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM at The Family Church in Whitehall, AR with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. The interment/graveside service will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens in Blytheville, AR beginning promptly at 11:00 AM.

Roller-Swift Funeral Home in Osceola, AR has charge of the services. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.