Surrounded by his loving family, Clarkie Lee "Butch" Branch, 73, was called home by God for eternal rest Wednesday, May 14, 2015. Born in Onslow County, NC, he had been a long time resident of the Peninsula where he retired from Newport News Shipbuilding as a Supervisor in 1998 after 38 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church Fox Hill, where he was in the Men's Group and a greeter on Sundays. Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Vetrice and William Branch. Also preceded by his son Clarkie Branch Jr. . He is survived by his wife, Mary Branch; sons, Brian Keith Branch of Oakdale, CT, Derek Branch of Wichita, KS and Dean Branch of Charlottesville, VA; daughter, Jennifer M. Hardin of Wichita, KS; step-daughters, Wendy Davis of Colorado Springs, CO, Patricia A. Hammond of Montgomery, AL and Susan Steike of Fellsmere, FL; sisters, Donna D. Barr of Toano, VA, Patricia M. Bennett of Fenwick, WV and Pama C. Hamlett of Wilmington, NC; brother, Leon Swinson of Delray Beach, FL.; six grandchildren Tyler, Noah, Natalie, Jake, Alana, Belle and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 AM Monday at First United Methodist Church Fox Hill. Immediately following at 11:00 AM, a funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Brian K. Sixbey. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton. The family wishes expressions of sympathy to take the form of contributions to the F.U.M.C. Fox Hill Building Fund, 1 Salt Pond Rd., Hampton VA 23664. Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton, 757-723-3191.