Robert Earl Branch, age 82, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Southeastern Hospice House of Lumberton. He was born in Robeson County on June 22, 1931 to the late Claude W. Branch and the late Emma S. Branch. He was formerly employed as a communications supervisor for NC Highway Patrol for 45 years. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Audrey J. Branch, and his brother, Charles W. Branch. He is survived by his sons, Artie Branch, of Holden Beach, NC, and Glenn Branch and wife, Denise, of Fairmont, NC; his daughters, Anne Marie Smith and husband, Alan, of Garner, NC, and Gracie McClary and husband, Kip, of Whiteville, NC; one brother, Carey Branch, of Lumberton, NC; two sisters, Catherine B. Thompkins and Claudia B. Cooke, both of Lumberton, NC; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.