Harry Alan Branch, “The Chief”, age 74 of Murfreesboro, Ark., went to be with our Lord on Oc. 14, 2023. Harry passed quietly into the afterlife at the McClellan Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Ark., with his wife of 52 years at his side.
Harry was born in Millington, Tenn., on Jan. 12, 1949, to Herbert and Elaine Branch After his mother’s death, Harry’s family moved back to Murfreesboro where both his maternal and paternal grandmothers along with his step-mother, Lois Branch, played a large role in raising Harry and his sister, Ann. A graduate of Murfreesboro High School in 1967, Harry enlisted in the Navy as a military legacy with both his father and grandfather serving in the Navy as well. After his decorated service in the Vietnam War, Harry returned to Murfreesboro where he married Beryl Lynn Self on Nov. 20, 1970. Harry re-enlisted in the Navy in 1973 and served until 1990 at duty stations in Florida, Maryland, Illinois, Texas, and Arkansas. After retiring from the Navy, Harry worked at the United States Postal Service in North Little Rock where he retired after 18½ years. Harry and Beryl then moved back to Murfreesboro to build their retirement home. Harry spent 13 wonderful years creating the oasis he called “The Ridge” in Pleasant Home, Ark.
Harry will be remembered for his generous and giving spirit. He was a master storyteller; he was able to get the attention of everyone around with his energy and humor. He was also a man of strong faith. Harry and Beryl worshiped with the Christ Church in Nashville, Ark.
Survivors include: his wife, Beryl, as well as two married daughters, Stacey and Rick Williams of Harrison, Ark., and Kerri and Brad Browning of Fayetteville, Ark.; four grandchildren, Justin Williams of Branson, Mo., Tony and Hannah Williams of Alpena, Ark., Kelsey Thibeault of Harrison, Ark., and Bridget Browning of Fayetteville, Ark.; and one great-grandson, Aiden Williams of Harrison, Ark., as well as many in-laws, cousins, and nieces and nephews that he cherished.
A celebration of Harry’s life will be held at the Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro, Ark., on Wednesday, Oct. 18. Burial with military honors will follow at the Pleasant Home Cemetery on Hwy. 379.
Visitation will be held at Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m..
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pleasant Home Cemetery Fund using the following address: 1511Pike City Road, Murfreesboro, AR 71958.
You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com.
