Barrington "Barry" Heath Branch, Sr.

Barry was known above all for his selflessness. He put his family first, always, and brought the same relentless work ethic to everything he cared about, whether it was building a career, mentoring a student, or simply showing up for the people he loved. A loyal Atlanta sports fan and avid reader, Barry was happiest with a book in hand or a game on the TV. He loved nothing more than being by a body of water, especially when making memories with his family at Lake Rabun and Rosemary Beach.

Barry grew up as a competitive swimmer and enjoyed sharing stories of his record-breaking swims at both national and international swim meets. He graduated from the Westminster Schools in Atlanta and went on to Davidson College, where he captained the varsity swimming team. After graduating from Davidson, he received his law degree from Duke University.

Barry enjoyed a distinguished, decades-long business and professional career, first as a corporate attorney, then as a real estate developer, investor, financier, and educator. Following his years with the law firm of Hansell Post, Barry successfully led the development, financing, marketing, and management of numerous iconic Portman projects throughout the United States and Europe. He served for 18 years on the Board of Directors of Weeks Corporation and Duke Realty Corporation and was Chairman of the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate. Barry later served as President and CEO of Dutch Institutional Holding Company. In 2018, Barry merged the Capital Markets Practice of his consulting firm, Branch Real Estate Advisors, with his brother David’s Site Services Group, to create SSG Realty Partners, LLC, an Atlanta-based land investment advisory firm. In 2023, SSG Realty Partners became the foundation for Artisan Land Companies, LLC, where he served as a member of the executive committee.

Since 2012, Barry also served as the Robert H. Ledbetter, Sr. Professor of the Practice of Real Estate Development at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business, where he created and led an innovative program in real estate development and finance. Of everything Barry accomplished in his career, teaching may be what he was most proud of. He deeply loved mentoring his students and staying in touch with many long after graduation. He took enormous pride in watching so many of them go on to become successful real estate executives in their own right.

Barry has left a legacy that will continue well after his passing. However, what he will be remembered for most is the way he enjoyed the simple moments in life. He loved a movie at home with his wife and daughters, brunch at Goldbergs, where he was a regular, and time as “Papa B” with his new granddaughter. His kindness, strength, resilience, and genuine care for others will be deeply missed by all those who loved him.

Barry was preceded in death by his father, Harllee Branch, Jr., his mother, Katherine Hunter (“Kitty”) Branch, and his sister, Kay Branch McKenzie. Barry is survived by his wife, Doreen Branch; daughters Hunter Branch, Hailey Branch Hines (Michael), and River Branch; son Barry Branch, Jr.; granddaughter Parker Hines; grandson Quinn; and brothers Harllee Branch, III, and David Branch.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Peachtree Presbyterian Church – Kellett Chapel, 3434 Roswell Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate his life.