Hartwell was born March 4, 1925 in Durham, NC to the late Slater Branch and Mazie Womble Branch. He was a WWII veteran of the US Army where he was involved in 5 major battles of the European Theater, to include D-Day. Following his military service, Hartwell was trained as an auto mechanic and was known for his ability to repair most anything. During a gospel meeting in 1954, Hartwell accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, resulting in a dramatic change in his life. He was called into the ministry and later served pastorates in eastern NC. He continued his ministry throughout his life, while employed with NC State University until his retirement. Hartwell was a faithful member of Grace Fellowship Holiness Church, Raleigh.
Hartwell was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Belle Stephens Branch; son, Barry Hartwell Branch; step-mother, Ruby Hall Branch; and brother, Jerome Branch.
He is survived by his daughters, Patricia Branch Hall and her husband, Jerry of Clayton; and Deborah Branch Rowe and her husband, Steve of Wendell; sons, Ed Branch and his wife, Bonnie of Raleigh; and Everette Branch and his wife, Debbie of Bracey, VA; brothers, Herbert Branch and his wife, Betsy of Raleigh; Robert Branch and his wife, Marilyn of Iowa; Gary Branch of Huntersville; sister, Patsy Branch Biddy of Charlotte; grandchildren, Brent Hall; Kim Dryden; Joel Branch; Rodney Hall; Lori Radford; Melissa Million; Monica Benson; Michelle Foster; Kendel Smith; and Megan Branch; step-grandchildren, Matt Rowe; Jennifer Rowe; Samantha Godwin; and Rebecca Baker; 23 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home Chapel, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511 with a service to follow at 2:30 pm. A private graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Fuquay-Varina, NC.
Condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynneCary.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18