Julian H. Branch

His service will be 11 AM, Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, the Latin-American Campus Sanctuary, with the Rev. John Harrill officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM prior to the service. The internment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park with the Rev. Steve Adams officiating.

Mr. Branch was born on November 21, 1921 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the son of Atlas M. and Nora Frances Hinnant Branch of Raleigh. After attending Garner High School he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre as a Navy Engineer with the SeaBees. Upon his return from the war, Mr. Branch joined Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company and dedicated his career to the company’s engineering organization, retiring after 40 years of service.

Mr. Branch was extensively involved in charitable activities for organizations serving the handicapped and received numerous awards for his work and innovations in creating communications devices to benefit them.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Elma Duncan Branch; one son Bradford Branch and his wife Catherine of Atlanta Georgia; two step-sons. David McGuirt and his wife Andra of Lancaster. S.C., Daniel McGuirt of Indian Land, S.C.; eleven grandchildren. Michael Bridges and his wife Sarah of Clemmons, John Bridges of Raleigh, William Branch of Washington, D.C., Julia Branch of Atlanta, Sarah Elizabeth Branch and Douglas Branch of Atlanta Georgia, Dustin McGuirt and his wife Jennifer of Rock Hill, Andrew McGuirt, Nathan McGuirt and Corey McGuirt, Christine McGuirt of Wilmington, N.C.; two great grandchildren. Benjamin Bridges and Kensley McGuirt; one sister-in-law. Mrs. Thelma Branch of Morehead City, and several nieces and nephews, among them Dr. Bernard Branch and wife Barbara Bennett Branch of Lexington, Ky., Jerry Branch and wife Gilda of Raleigh, H.P. “Red” Benton of Wilson, Holly Kahl and husband Brent of Middlesex and Sue Walker and husband Robert of Hendersonville. Mr. Branch was preceded in death by a son, Michael Branch.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28215

Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park of Charlotte. www.mcewenfs.com