Jackie Dean Branch

Jackie Dean Branch, 55, of Walnut Cove, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026. Born on August 5, 1970, in Surry County, he was one of three sons born to the late James William “J.W.” Branch, Sr. and Joan McQuinn Branch.

Dean was known for his warm smile and joyful spirit. He held a deep love for Southern Gospel music, staying current with new songs and the happenings in the Southern Gospel community, and remained a devoted fan of The Oak Ridge Boys throughout his life. A man of quiet faith, he loved attending church, faithfully worshiping at Piney Grove Baptist Church while the family lived in Dobson and later at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Walnut Cove. He was also an avid Duke basketball fan, a proud member of the Surry County Special Olympics Bowling Team, and enjoyed playing Sims games. Despite facing significant health challenges, Dean never let them define him or prevent him from embracing life and the things that brought him happiness, including his cherished time at Eldora Handicamp.

He is survived by his brothers, James William “Sonny” Branch, Jr. (Pam Cave) of Walnut Cove and Dewayne Branch of Parrish, Florida; his nieces and nephews, Jared and Melanie Branch of Goldsboro, Patrick Branch and Johnna Roberts of Walnut Cove, and Ciani Branch of Parrish, Florida; and his great-nieces, Rhiley Branch and Piper Branch of Goldsboro and Maddilyn Branch of Walnut Cove. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ira Clellan McQuinn, Sr. and Ethel Gertrude Rackley McQuinn, and his paternal grandparents, William Dillard and Lillian Stephens Branch.