SPENCER – Robert Edward & quot;Hook & quot; Branch Jr., age 58, of 411 N. Rowan Ave. Ext., died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006, at N.C. Baptist Hospital after one year of declining health. & lt;br & gt; & lt;br & gt;Mr. Branch was born Aug. 30, 1948, in Richburg, S.C., to the late Robert E. Branch Sr. and Lorraine White Branch. He was a graduate of Dunbar High School, Class of 1969, and had worked for Carolina Rubber Hose for 27 years. & lt;br & gt; & lt;br & gt;He is survived by his wife, Nannie Kelly Branch of the home; sons Robert Edward Branch III (Nicole), Salisbury, and John Thomas Branch (Lynn) of the home; daughter Cassandra & quot;San & quot; Branch Bradley (Robert), Salisbury; brothers William & quot;Bro & quot; Thomas (Barbara), Greensboro, Chalmers Branch (Betty) and Dennis Branch (Barbara), all of Salisbury; sisters Mary & quot;Rean & quot; Wilkerson (Kent), East Spencer, and Betty Kelly (the Rev. Chris), Louisville, Ky.; three grandchildren; and three step- grandchildren. & lt;br & gt; & lt;br & gt;Service: The funeral services are Saturday at 2 p.m. at New Zion Baptist Church, Linwood, with the Rev. Parnell Kelly officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Salisbury. & lt;br & gt; & lt;br & gt;Visitation: Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the church. The family is also receiving friends at the home at 411 N. Rowan Ave. Ext., Spencer. & lt;br & gt; & lt;br & gt;Noble & amp; Kelsey Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to noblekelsey@aol.com.