Clennie & Nettie Branch

Swain Funeral Home announced the death & funeral services of Mrs. Nettie Murphy Branch, age 92, and Mr. Clennie Branch, age 94, of Baxley.


Mrs. Branch died Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Bacon County Hospital. She was born December 28, 1922 in Surrency to the late John Edward Murphy and the late Lena Estelle Stanfield Murphy. She was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher and choir member. She retired in 1989 from the Appling County Board of Education and was a member of the Appling Co. Retired Teachers Association and a charter member of the Baxley Order of Eastern Star #363 and she was a Shriner.


Mr. Branch died Sunday, June 21, 2015 at The Pavilion. He was born August 12, 1920 in Baxley to the late Henry Grady "Cap" Branch and the late Minnie Lee Carter Branch. He was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member. He was a Veteran of the United States Naval Air Force and was an avid hunter, fisherman, & farmer. He retired in 1989 from the Appling County Board of Education after serving as the Principal of Bethel School for two years, Ten Mile School for four years, and Altamaha Elementary School for 34 years. Mr. Branch was a member of the Appling Co. Retired Teachers Association and a former board member of the Okefenokee Library System. He was also a member of the Holmesville Masonic Lodge #195 F & AM, the Baxley Order of the Eastern Star #363, the Appling Co. Young Farmers, as he was a Shriner.


Mr. & Mrs. Branch were preceded in death by their siblings, Jim Branch, Lorace Branch, David Branch, Winton "Cub" Branch, Gladys Woodard, Nora Baxley, Lizzie Branch, Addie Branch, Sue Nell Warren, Lola Murphy Beecher, Rozel J. Murphy, Edsel Murphy, Doris Branch, Darlene Lott, Winton Murphy, Doyle Murphy, & Orville Murphy.


Survivors include their daughters & sons-in-law, Dealva & Lee Johnson and Jonnilee & Wayne Carter; sisters, Loretta (Frank) Miles & Roberta (Glynn) Thornton, and Minnie Lee Davis; Sisters-in-law, Genene Murphy, Sue Murphy, & Martha Murphy; grandchildren, Jeremy (Bridgett) Johnson, Rebecca (Shannon) Gibbs, and Kaley Carter, Stephanie (Everett) Kelley, & Stanley (Kate) Carter; great grandchildren, Aria Johnson, Shelby Gibbs, Tyson Gibbs, Cheyenne Kelley, Sarah Kelley, Amy Kelley, & Emily Carter. Several nieces & nephews also survive.


Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Spring Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby Brinkley, Rev. Robert Wigley, & Rev. Bryan Gill officiating.


Mr. & Mrs. Branch will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.


Interment will follow in Carter Cemetery.


Active Pallbearers will be Wink Branch, John Branch, Willie Beecher, Eddie Miles, Paul Branch, Brack Miles, & Lanier Branch, Ricky Barnes, Robbie Barnes, Jake Barnes, Shane Reeves, & Stewart Reeves.


Visitation will be Monday evening, 6-8 p.m., at Swain Funeral Home.


Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.