Larry Cannon Branch

Larry Cannon Branch, 80, of Hickory was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven early Thursday morning, May 2, 2019 at the Carolina Caring Hospice House. Larry Branch’s life is a story of service to God, family, and country. Larry leaves behind his cherished bride of 54 years, Janet Suddreth Branch.Together Larry and Janet created a lifetime of happy memories for their family; son Chris married to Courtney, and daughter Leigh Anne married to John Caldwell. They provided countless hours of support at recitals, ball games, theatrical performances, holidays, church events, and family trips for their grandchildren: Davis Branch, Morgan Drum, Abby Drum, Stella Branch, Jayden Drum, and Zachery Caldwell.Larry and Janet also opened their home and hearts to their goddaughter, Leslie Coffey, her husband Mark, and her children Elizabeth and Anna. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Georgia Branch, his brothers Jack Jr. and Morris Lee and is survived by his sister Shirley Short and her husband Harry who reside in Florida.Larry will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews as well. In his early years, Larry lived on the Burke County side of the Hartland community.The family moved and Larry graduated from Hickory High School. Larry attended Appalachian State University and played football there until pulled into the family business with his father.For many years Larry worked for D.D. Suddreth Furniture until he accepted a position at Lowe’s Home Improvement from which he retired. Larry proudly served in the Army National Guard for 25 years and Army Reserve for 9 more years reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before he retired. Larry and Janet lived in Lenoir for most of their marriage where they were faithful members of College Avenue Baptist Church.Larry loved singing in the choir and providing leadership in the church by serving as deacon and Royal Ambassador leader among other roles.He also enhanced his community through the work he did with the Civitan and Optimist Clubs to which he belonged. Larry’s strong passion for music flooded his house with song.He played the harmonica and guitar as well as having a beautiful singing voice.He took great pride in his yard and worked tirelessly to create spaces for family and friends to enjoy themselves and each other. Larry Branch was the protective patriarch for his family leaving behind a legacy of love and a charge to service that will sustain them for years to come. The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, May 5, 2019 starting at 2:00 p.m. at College Avenue Baptist Church in Lenoir immediately followed by a memorial service there to celebrate Larry’s life at 3:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to College Avenue Baptist Church. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service and Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Branch family.