Harold was born on July 24, 1940, to Lillian Stephens Branch and William Dillard Branch in Surry County, NC. He graduated from Dobson High School in 1959 and then attended barber school in Winston-Salem, NC. Harold was a US Navy veteran and served as ship’s barber on the USS Piedmont based out of San Diego, CA in the 1960s. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, Harold returned to NC where he continued to barber for 15 years and eventually opened his own shop in Lewisville, NC. He then worked as a package car driver and truck driver for United Parcel Service for 27 years.
Harold was a member of Lewisville Baptist Church, and most recently First Baptist Church of Matthews. He was an avid gardener and a talented artist. His favorite subjects were rural landscapes and animals in their natural habitats. He also made custom knives with detailed scrimshaw work.
Harold was married to his best friend and love of his life, Peggy Brown Branch, for 59 years. Harold is survived by his wife, Peggy, daughter Jinda Branch Ahdieh, son-in-law Navid Ahdieh, granddaughters Lily and Ella Ahdieh, sisters Linda Jackson and Novella Champion, brothers-in-law Tony Jackson and George Champion, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Etta Moxley, brother J.W. Branch, and sister-in-law Joan Branch.
A memorial service will be held at McEwen Funeral Service at 5716 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212, on Saturday, December 17th at 12:00 pm. The family will greet guests immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (www.secondharvestmetrolina.org).
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