Cecil P. Branch, age 71 gained his angel wings on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at his home in Shady Grove surrounded by his family whom he loved dearly. He was born on November 8, 1949 at home in Shady Grove to Elias Lamar and Avie Dell Hamm Branch. Cecil met the love of his life Joy and they married in 1969. He was a hardworking farmer devoted to his family and committed to his community. Cecil was lovingly known to many as the “mayor” of Shady Grove and a man of his word. Cecil’s family was the light of his life. He was a man of great faith and was a lifelong member of Shady Grove Methodist Church. Cecil’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life; the legacy of his kind spirit and zest for life will live on through them. He fought the good fight; he finished the race and kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7
Cecil leaves behind one son, Adam Branch and his wife Sandra; two daughters, Paula Branch and Robin Branch Floyd and her husband Jeremy; 16 grandchildren, Madison Branch, Megan Branch, Stetson Branch, Dustin Branch, Jordan Pyke, Cara Pyke, Cody Pyke, Cameron McClendon, Savannah McCroan, Joshua Phillmon, Trevor Phillmon, Emily Floyd, Kimber Floyd, DJ Jacobs, Ben Jacobs, and Daniel Jacobs; 15 great grandchildren, Landon Cole and his mother Becca; Brady and his mother Courtney; Bella, Trinity, Gracelyn, little Paul and their mother Brandy; Liam, Lawson, Landon Cooper, and their mother Savannah; Ridge, Reed and their mother Carrie; Oren, Kyendall and their mother Mary Catherine; Barrett and his mother Madison; sisters and brothers in law Judy Branch, Charlotte Branch, Charles and Annette Stephens and Tim and Dorinda Maloy, as well as a multitude of “yard youngins”, extended family members, friends and two loving pups Remi and Buddy.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Morris Gene and Elizabeth Millard; three brothers, Carl Branch, Ethan Branch and Harold Branch; two sisters, Janice Branch and Rita Branch; a granddaughter, Ashley Branch; a daughter Kelley Phillmon and his loving wife of 51 years, Joy Branch.
The family would like to thank all the nurses of Emerald Coast Hospice for the extraordinary care they provided to Mr. Cecil. The family is especially grateful for the care provided which enabled him to remain at home during his final days.
Flowers are welcomed or in lieu of flowers the family encourages you to send a memorial contribution in Mr. Cecil’s name to his favorite charity St. Jude Children’s hospital.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at McAlpin Funeral Home on Friday, May 14, 2021 beginning at 1:00 PM CDT. Interment will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM CDT also at McAlpin Funeral Home.
