Franklin – Bobby Elwood Branche, 82, passed away at Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center on July 21, 2025 surrounded by his family.  Bobby was born on January 15, 1943 at home on a family farm in Sedley, VA.  He was one of nine children of the late John Elmore Branche and Lottye Bulls Branche and was also predeceased by his sisters Carolyn N. Branche, Juanita B. Drake, and Phyllis B. Cheathan, brother Patrick E. Branche, brothers-in-law John Wade and Roger Drake, and sister-in-law Beverly Branche.

Bobby attended Southampton High School and left at the age of 17 to join the United States Marine Corps.  He later returned to Southampton County and worked at Union Camp Corporation as a Maintenance Supervisor where he retired after 32 years.  He was a member of Harvest Christian Fellowship, Bronco Rod and Gun Club, Sedley Hunt Club, and American Legion – Franklin Post 73.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 59 years, Judi Harris Branche; his son Robert E. Branche and his wife Susan of Sedley and her children, Brandon, Chad, Ellie, and Brayden Keeter and Bre, Olivia, Charlotte, and JD; his daughter, Suzanne B. Pope and her husband Joe of Capron; two sisters, Edna B. Wade and Margaret Ann Connors and her husband Mike; two brothers, W. Gilbert Branche and his wife Mildred and John E. Branche and his wife Judy; a brother-in-law, Jim Cheatham; two grandsons, Kendal W. Pope and his wife Megan and their baby due to arrive in January 2026 and Austin J. Pope all of Capron; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11AM Thursday, July 24, 2025 in Wright Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Wright officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Rosemont Cemetery in Sedley.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and at other times at Robert and Susan's house, 30497 Peachtree Ave., Sedley, VA and suggests that memorial donations be made to Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Dept. or The Harvest Christian Fellowship.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org