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Billy Jack Branch

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Billy Jack Branch of Purcell, Oklahoma, was born to Norman Jackson Branch and Helen Huckeby Branch on October 22, 1932 in Alex, Oklahoma, and passed from this life November 20,2020 in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 88 years.

Billy was raised in Bradley, Oklahoma, and graduated from Bradley High School and excelled in basketball, baseball and track. Billy served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and Indo-Chinese conflict. Billy served four  years on the LST 692 and was honorably discharged in 1954.

Billy served as Garvin County Sheriff and later as Oklahoma State Senator for Garvin, McClain, Cleveland and Grady County District 15. His political career spanned from 1970 through his retirement in 1988.

Billy married Carolyn Rhodes Branch February 4, 1974. Billy remained active in Veterans’ groups after his retirement and was a lifetime member of VFW and the American Legion. He rededicated his life and was baptized in 2013 at the Bradley Baptist Church.

Billy is survived by his spouse of 47 years, Carolyn; his son, Billy Earl Branch, wife, Nita, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Justin and his family Madison Henslee and Maverick; Cheyenne and Justin Dutton, Cody Branch also Terry’s Family Karen Branch, Steven, Tyler, Ryan Branch and Stephanie Todd and husband, Dalton, and Asher, great-grandson, April Branch, Jasen and Ivan. Also, by stepson, Larry K. Rhodes and wife, Annette; daughters, Larissa Johnson and Jansen Johnson and great-granddaughter Reagan Johnson and Lacey Rhodes Dale and husband Phillip.

Billy is also survived by brothers and sisters, Bryan Branch and Joan, Maxine Barrett and Rex, Merlene Jones, Sue Wilhelm and Craig, Tom Branch and John Branch and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and by a blended family he loved and enjoyed.

Billy was predeceased by two sons, Terry Jack Branch and Max Joseph Branch; brother, E.J. Branch and his parents.  

Graveside services were held Saturday, November 28, 2020 at the Bradley Cemetery with Bro. Gene Sanders officiating.