Larry Gene Branch, age 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, August 14, 2020. He was the son of the late Harry & Letha Branch and step son to Vivian Branch.

Larry was a veteran of the US Army, US Navy, NJ Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves, retiring as Chief Master Sergeant. He also served as a Lieutenant for the Civil Air Patrol NJ065 Ocean Composite Squadron Flight Operations. He was employed with Jersey Central Power & Light Company, retiring after 28 years. The years following, he was the Superintendent of Lakewood Public Works before retiring for good. After moving to Myrtle Beach, he volunteered at the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, assisting vehicle maintenance.

He was a friend to many in the community of Lakewood where he lived for 49 years with his wife Jean and children. Larry was an exempt member of the Junior Hose Company No. 3 Fire Department and past President, Ex-Captain and life member of the Lakewood Volunteer First Aid Squad. In his younger years he coached Pop Warner Football. He was an active member of the Conway Gideons.

Larry's voice was strong, it got your attention but his heart was soft. He was generous to a fault, always willing to lend a helping hand and never met a stranger. Larry will be remembered for many things by different people but a few that his family will remember are: His affinity for watching old westerns over and over again, doing crossword puzzles, his love of ice cream (you didn't dare just give him one scoop) but most of all, he will be remembered for the unconditional love he had for his family. Larry loved being surrounded by his family especially during the holidays.

Surviving are his beloved wife Jean of 62 years, his children; daughter Debra Neyhart and her husband Geof, son Larry Branch II and daughter June Ciccone and her husband Anthony and eight grandchildren; Joseph & Amanda Neyhart, Logan Branch and his wife Stephanie, Justin & Olivia Branch and Matthew & Stefani Ciccone. He is also survived by his siblings Gary Branch & wife Dorothy, Geraldine Ford, Lester Branch & his wife Linda and Russell Branch along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to consider making a donation in Larrys memory to the Gideons International, PO Box 304, Conway, SC 29528-0304.