Herbert Owen Branch

4 January 1933 - 16 December 2023

Herbert Owen Branch, a faithful husband, father, and servant, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, 2023. He was 90.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Hamilton Branch; sons Bradley and Kenneth; daughters Linda Nichols and Janice Batie; sister Patsy Biddy; and brother Gary Branch, along with eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Herbert was born in 1933 in Durham, N.C., and he grew up in the Bethesda area. He met Betsy just before serving in the Army during the Korean War. He was a cook stationed in Italy -- catching opera and writing letters to Betsy.

Herbert was a loyal worker and provider for his family, serving as a draftsman at Westinghouse (which later became ABB) for more than 30 years. Then, in 1991, he helped son Kenneth launch Swift Creek Exterminating out of his and Betsy’s carport. He worked with Swift Creek in the field and later as a faithful presence in the office all the way until the evening of December 13, when he entered the hospital. When he wasn’t keeping the books or stocking supplies, Herbert studied his well-worn stack of crosswords, sudoku, and Bible commentaries.

A family man, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and made many memories taking them fishing. For others, he made memories through his faithfulness over many decades with the congregations of Faith Bible Fellowship and recently South Raleigh Bible Church.

Herbert and Betsy were married for 68 years. Their marriage was one of mutual service. Herbert recently told his grandson how during his years at Westinghouse Betsy would lay out his clothes and a hot meal every morning before he woke. In recent years as their abilities changed, Herbert relished the opportunity to in some small way “return the favor,” faithfully returning home every day after opening the Swift Creek office to aid Betsy when she woke (though he did have to turn around if he forgot to bring her the newspaper).

He is predeceased by his parents, Herbert Slater Branch and Ruby Hall Branch; his brothers, Hartwell, Robert, Jerome, and C.D; and son Gregory Branch.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 11 am at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams Street, Apex, NC .The family will receive friends from 10-11 am, prior to the service. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be forwarded to South Raleigh Bible Church, 8616 Ten-Ten Road, Raleigh, NC 27603.

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