RICH SQUARE – Ernest Twisdale Branch died peacefully at Transitions LifeCare on May, 31, 2015 in Raleigh, NC at the age of 97.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Nannie Ellen Branch of Raleigh, formerly of Rich Square; daughter, Phyllis Lassiter and husband, Allen, of Rich Square; and son Kenneth Branch and partner, John Ringo, of Raleigh. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Wright Branch. Additionally surviving Ernest are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christopher Lassiter and wife, Valerie, of Raleigh and children, Sophie and Brendan; Kathryn Lassiter Henderson and husband, Douglas, of Durham and children, Edie and Reid; and Jon Stephen Branch and wife, Aislinn, of Winton and children, Jacob and Layla. Also remaining is his sister-in-law, Nancy Branch of Rich Square. Finally, he is survived by beloved nieces and nephews and their children as well as a host of life-long friends.

Ernest was born on June 12, 1917 in Halifax County, North Carolina to Ernest Leroy and Mabel Twisdale Branch. He was the second oldest of eight children. After relocating to Rich Square, Ernest completed high school, served in the U.S Army during World War II, and a completed a 31-year career the rural letter carrier for the U. S. Postal Service. This was in addition to his part-time work as a butcher and grocer, which he began at the age of 18 in 1935 and continued for 45 years.

The family would like to thank the medical teams at The Covington and Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh who provided compassionate care during Ernest’s final weeks.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Rich Square United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bob Licht officiating. The burial will follow at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square.

The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June, 3, 2015, at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Rich Square.  At other times, the family will welcome friends at the home of Allen and Phyllis Lassiter in Rich Square.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Services is handling the arrangements for the Branch family and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com