Alec Branch

I am home in Heaven, dear ones: Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this Everlasting Light. All the pain and grief are over! Every restless yearning past; I am now at peace forever, safely Home in Heaven at last. Dear one, do not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust Our Father’s Will. When your work is completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh! the rapture of that meeting! Oh, the joy to see you come!

On Saturday, July 15, 2023 at his residence, Alex Branch transitioned from this earthly life and was granted his Angelic wings. Alex affectionately known as “Alex” was born on Nov 22, 1935, to the late Johnnie and Martha Spratley Branch. He is a native of Isle of Wight County where he attended the Isle of Wight School system. Alex spent the majority of his adult life in Ivor, VA.

Alex worked for Nash Logging Company as the senior mechanic for more than twenty years. After it closed down, he transitioned to Cowlings Brothers in Waverly, VA where he worked for another fifteen years as a mechanic until he retired. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars and small engines.

Alex never married but he spent most of his adult life with the love of his life Mary Warren Blizzard and together they raised eight children. Alex was a great provider to his family. He loved his family more than anything and he did what he needed to do to make sure everyone was taken care of.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Floyd Branch, Sr., Dorothy Robertson, Lucille Anderson, Eugene Branch, John Lee Branch, Ashton Branch, Lloyd Branch Sr., and Shepherd Branch.

He leaves to cherish precious memories devoted partner Mary Warren Blizzard of Portsmouth, VA; two sons Alan A. Warren of Shreveport, LA and Charles Warren of Portsmouth, VA; five daughters Cynthia Collins (Gary Collins) of Rockmart, GA, Adrienne Warren of Portsmouth, VA, Stephanie Warren of Portsmouth, VA, Joanne Eley of Smithfield, VA and Ada Mae Crocker of Portsmouth, VA; two devoted sisters Martha Moore and Mary Robertson both of Carrollton, VA; one sister in-law Katherine Spratley of Carrolton, VA; one special great granddaughter Donnya Crawford whom he affectionately called his baby girl; three special nephews Jimmy Robertson, Jr., Floyd Branch and Paul Branch all of Smithfield, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Dear Dad

The pain that I am feeling never seems to go away. I wish I could visit heaven if only for a day. I know that you would hold me and whisper in my ear

“Don’t think of me as gone away, because I am always near.” I know you’re in a better place where you are at peace and free. To be happy in eternal life and can still watch over me. Although the door between our worlds is closed and we’re apart. Until the time God opens it you’re always in my heart.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard him call. I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that place at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much.

Good friends, good times, a love one’s touch. Perhaps my time seems all to brief; Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up you heart and share with me, God wanted me now He Set me free.

We Love and Miss You Daddy!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am Friday, July 21, 2023 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Viewing will take place Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 3-6pm also at the chapel. Please keep the Branch family in your thoughts and prayers.