Robert Lee Branch

Robert “Bob” Branch, 82, had just left one of his favorite antique shops in Selma, NC and was crossing the street when he was struck by a vehicle. Despite his determination to overcome his injuries and the amazing care he received at Wake Med Trauma Center for 13 days, he succumbed to traumatic brain injuries on March 15, 2024.

Bob was born in Morganton, North Carolina where he grew up in the loving home of his parents, Ralph and Rosie Branch, along with his two sisters, Linda and Pansy and his baby brother, Jim. With his family, he attended the Pleasant View Baptist Church, where he met Patricia “Pat” Kirby, who became the love of his life.

Bob was selected for the US Air Force preparatory academy and served his country in the Air Force while his sweetheart waited for him to return home. After Bob attained an undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee and an MBA at the University of Virginia, he and Pat moved to Oakridge, Tennessee where he started his banking career. He had a successful career in banking, retiring as Executive Vice President of Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bob enjoyed an early retirement at age 58 and moved back to North Carolina to spend his retirement years in “God’s Country” as he called it. He and Pat were married over 50 years and kidded around like teenage love birds, never wanting for wonderful conversation or a good laugh.

After Pat passed away suddenly in 2015, Bob moved to a wonderful community in Flowers Plantation in Clayton, North Carolina where his neighbors affectionately called him “Mayor Bob.” He enjoyed spending time with his sister, Pansy McGee, and going antiquing with his brother, Jim Branch. Bob delighted in meeting new people and enjoyed antiquing, bird watching and gardening (or at least overseeing the care of his precious shrubs and snowball bushes). He loved his frequent visits to upstate New York to spend time with his daughter, Sara Keegan, son-in-law, Jim Keegan, and granddaughter, Mary, who affectionately called him, “Papaw.”

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Pat, his son, Steve, and sister, Linda Walker. Bob is survived by Sara, Jim, and Mary, his siblings, Pansy and Jim, his daughter-in-law, Caroline Branch, granddaughter, Grace Branch, beloved nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends – old and new. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Bob’s life on April 6, 2024, details to be provided.

The family is infinitely grateful for the ICU staff at Wake Med in Raleigh, North Carolina and its extensive team of care providers who rallied behind Bob as he fought valiantly to overcome his injuries. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests carrying out a random act of kindness or making a donation to Bob’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.