George W. Branch, Jr., 85 of Camden, AR, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at his home with his family by his side as was his request. He was born September 29, 1937 in Pine Bluff to the late George Senior and Ada Gray Branch. George graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1953 where he lettered in Football and Basketball. George attended Southern State University (SAU) in Magnolia on a basketball and football scholarship and later transferred to Arkansas A&M in Monticello where he also participated in All Sports and was a 4 sport letterman. George was very young when graduating high school. He played his first college football against Arkansas State at the age of 15.

His career began at Ashdown High School in 1959 where he coached all sports. He was basketball head coach and assistant coach for football and track. It was at this time he met his wife, Marguerite and 5 months later they were married in the United Methodist Church on December 22, 1959 and were united together for 63 years.

After coaching in Ashdown, he coached at Texarkana, TX, Lewisville and Fairview where he remained until death. His last 25 years of work was spent as Superintendent in the Camden Fairview School System. George earned his MSE from Henderson State University in 1969. Attended Auburn University in summer from 1970-1973 and earned school certification in school administration and attended the University of Arkansas and gained his certification as Superintendent. He was elected Superintendent of Fairview School System in 1973 and served until 1997. George was an avid golfer and fisherman.  He was a loyal member of the Fairview United Methodist Church where he served in all areas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Anna Veasey and Fannie Kelley; daughter-in-law, Missy Branch.

He is survived by his wife, Marguerite Stuart Branch; daughter, Sheila Lansdell(Phillip) of El Dorado, AR; son, Jim Bob (Kristi) of Camden, AR; daughter, Laura Beth Lindsey (Lyndy) of  Fayetteville, AR; brother, Jesse Branch (Lee Ann) of Hot Springs Village; sister-in-law, Liz Cobb of Texarkana, AR; grandchildren, Luke Lansdell of Oklahoma City, Matthew Lansdell of El Dorado, Catherine Lansdell of Dallas, Jack Lindsey (Hailey) of St. Louis, MO, Sam Lindsey of Fayetteville, AR, Link Lindsey of Fayetteville, AR, Libby Lindsey of Fayetteville, AR, Gunner Branch of Camden, AR, two bonus grandkids, Payne Webb of Little Rock, AR and Paige Sweetin of Cabot, AR; one precious great-grandson, Sawyer Lindsey; special friends and co-workers, Rita and Jerry Guess and numerous others.

Last remark from George: It has been a heck of a ride.

Memorials may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 PM Monday, July 24, 2023 at Fairview United Methodist Church. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, July 24, 2023 at Fairview United Methodist Church. The burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.