SPENCER – Robert Edward “Hook” 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.

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.

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 “San” Branch Bradley (Robert), Salisbury; brothers William “Bro” Thomas (Barbara), Greensboro, Chalmers Branch (Betty) and Dennis Branch (Barbara), all of Salisbury; sisters Mary “Rean” Wilkerson (Kent), East Spencer, and Betty Kelly (the Rev. Chris), Louisville, Ky.; three grandchildren; and three step- grandchildren.

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.

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.

Noble & Kelsey Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to noblekelsey@aol.com.