Clifford James Branch

MSGT Clifford James Branch USMC Ret., left his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 9, 2016.  Born on April 26, 1957 in Glade Spring, Virginia, to the late Walter and Dorothy Branch (both deceased).  Clifford loved the Lord, his family, sports, and the outdoors. Clifford joined Mt. Calvary Holiness Church, in Glade Spring, Virginia at a young age.  After graduating from Patrick Henry High School, he furthered his education by obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Ferrum College and then enlisting in the US Army serving for two years.  Clifford then moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to be closer to his oldest brother, Walter.  While there, he met and married his first wife Janice Jeffers and from this union they had two children, Kianna and Terrance.  Clifford had a competitive spirit and missed serving his Country; in 1984, he re-enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served until his retirement in 2002.  Master Sergeant Branch had a decorated career; he served as a combat veteran in Desert Storm Desert Shield, a Drill Instructor in Parris Island, SC for the enlisted and Quantico, VA for officers, as the Radio Chief and his last position until retirement as Operational Communication Chief.  Even though Clifford retired from the Marine Corps, he never stopped working as a public servant and took advantage of opportunities to better himself.  He earned his BS Degree in Computer Information Systems and his MBA in Business Administration simultaneously from Strayer University; and earned his certifications as a Microsoft Systems Certified Engineer andNational Certified Government Chief Information Officer.  Clifford worked as a Network Systems Analysts for two years at Craven Regional Medical Center in New Bern, North Carolina until accepting a Director of IT position at Albemarle Mental Health Center in Elizabeth City, N.C.  In 2009, Clifford accepted a position with the City of Suffolk, in Suffolk, Virginia, as the Chief Information Officer until 2013.  At this time, Clifford was able to accomplish his lifelong dream of operating his own business, Branch Technology Consulting, LLC until such time of his death. Clifford attended Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Ahoskie, NC and participated actively until his illness.  He sang in the Men’s Choir, Gospel Choir and Senior Choir.  Clifford was predeceased by his parents, Walter J. and Dorothy M. Branch and brothers, Walter A. Branch and Collie A. Branch.  Clifford leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife Sandra, children Kianna (Tony) Vlahos and Terrance (Kristen); siblings, Doris (Willie) Peebles, Edward (Sondy) Branch, Deborah B. Watkins, Claude (Cecilia) Branch, Eanita B. Belcher, and Selena R. Branch; five grandchildren Alexis, Alexandrea, and Isaiah Vlahos, Julian and Elijah Branch; his faithful canine companion, Rusty; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A wake will be held 6-8p.m. Monday, September 12, 2016 at New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church, NC. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Ahoskie, NC. He will be laid to rest in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clifford James Branch, please visit our flower store.