Billy W. Branch, 53, of Suffolk, VA passed away July 28, 2009. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Edward and Delta Mitchell, John Linwood and Julia Branch; and step father, A. Fred Matthews. He retired as a machinery mechanic for Ingersoll-Rand in Greenville, TX. Billy was a member of Wilroy Baptist Church and the Faith Seekers Sunday School Class. His church outreach activities included serving as an usher, greeter, missions to Bluefield, WV, and meals on wheels.

Billy is survived by his son, Douglas W. Branch of Windsor, VA; mother and stepfather, Sylvia A. Mitchell Schlaffer and William J. Schlaffer, Sr.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cynthia A. Matthews (Charles)and Allison K. Wood (Jim) of Suffolk, VA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frederick S. Matthews (Angela) of Virginia Beach, VA, Delray Matthews (Marie) of Carrsville, VA; stepbrothers and wives, William J. Schlaffer, Jr. (Brenda) and Charles E. Schlaffer (Beth) both of Suffolk, VA; special friend, Carol Ellis; lifelong friends, Archie, Margaret, Tommy and Donna Pruitt; host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Wilroy Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Collins officiating. Burial will follow in the Nansemond Suffolk Cemetery. Friends may join the family Thursday night from 7-8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, VA 23434 and other times at the home of Cynthia A. Matthews. Memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Suffolk Chapter, 760 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 201, Virginia Beach, VA 23452-7325 or Wilroy Baptist Church Building Fund, 306 Williams Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com. The family would like to give special thanks to Carol, all the doctors, and nurses at Sentara Obici and Sentara Norfolk General who worked tirelessly to take care of Billy over the past year.