Rufus Branch, Jr.

R.C. Branch, Jr., age 92, met Jesus face-to-face on Sunday, May 11, 2025. R.C. was born on July 29, 1932 in Zimmerman, Louisiana and currently resided in Slaughter, Louisiana. He graduated from Louisiana College in 1959 and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1962. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps from which he was honorably discharged in February, 1955.

R.C. lived a full and abundant life as a pastor, minister, mentor and teacher. He was a man of God. He spent his days studying the Bible and ministering to others. He pastored at Longview Baptist Church, Jena Baptist Church, Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, Sandy Creek Baptist Church, Green River Baptist Church (Wyoming), Glen Oaks Baptist Church and Colyell Baptist Church. After pastoring, he was called into full-time Evangelism, where he spread the gospel throughout many states. When he retired from Evangelism he continued to teach and preach. During his retirement he ministered by teaching Sunday School and preaching occasionally at his home church, Slaughter First Baptist Church. He also taught a class and shared his overwhelming knowledge to men who had surrendered to go into the ministry. He was a good and faithful servant and there are countless individuals he led toward Jesus.

R.C. also had rich family values and traditions. His family were his earthly treasures. He was married to Lynda Bonnette Branch for 64 years. Together they had three children. As the family grew he customized a dinner table where the entire family could gather together. His dinner table was not just for sharing a meal, but it was a place for the family to pray together, share with one another, and bond through fellowship. His meals were abundant, usually from his own garden, and he always prepared each and every person's favorite item. Christmas Eve was a special time for family and friends to gather in his home for praise and worship. The scriptures were read and the birth of our Savior was celebrated through song and prayer. His family will dearly miss him, but will continue the traditions he set in place. His family includes his son, Mark Branch and his wife Jamie, his late son Danny and his wife Cyndie, and his daughter Sallie and her late husband Jay. There are nine grandchildren: Brian (Cara), Beth Ann, Danielle (Chuck), Jennifer (Neil), Ben (Kylie), Michelle (Tim), Mimi (David), Candace (Chris), and Nathan (Kayli) and there are eighteen great-grandchildren: Brian Jr., Bennett, Lillie, Hayden, Carley, Jadyn, Beau, Daniel, Brandon, Ashley, Alese, Emma, Caleb, Jayden, Brody, Nettie, Jole, and Clara Nell. He prayed daily, and by name, for each of these treasured blessings in his life.

We can only imagine the reunion he had as he entered into Heaven, knowing the promises he had preached were finally fulfilled. We will celebrate his life and legacy on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Visitation will be at 9:00 am and services at 11:00 am at Slaughter First Baptist Church, led by Rev. Basil Wicker. Burial will immediately follow at Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, where his earthly body will be laid to rest beside his precious wife, Lynda, his son, Danny and son-in-law Jay. Pallbearers are Brian Branch, Brian Branch, Jr., Ben Branch, Chuck Taylor, Hayden Taylor, Neil Kahn, Nathan Callais, Chris Lemay and David Robertson. Honorary pallbearers are Bennett Branch, Brody Lemay, Jole Callais, Beau Branch, Caleb Robertson and Daniel Branch.

His family would like to thank Baker Funeral home and Slaughter First Baptist. Special thanks to all our friends and family who have supported him throughout his life and ministry. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Slaughter First Baptist Church in memory of R.C. Branch, Jr.