CMSgt (Ret) Carlos C. Branch, Jr., 90, of Navarre, Florida, passed away, Wednesday, July 19, 2017.

Chief Branch was born January 12, 1927, in the state of Georgia. He was the eldest boy of three girls and four boys born to Carlos and Edna Inez Branch.

He enlisted in the Navy at age 16, by-passing ‘boot-camp’ he went straight to Flight Engineer school. He later joined the Army Air Corp and then the Air Force. During his 30 years as a Flight Engineer he flew in WWII, the Berlin Airlift, and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

After rising in the ranks to Chief Master Sergeant, he served as Flight Engineer for special air crafts assigned to Commanding Generals, such as, General Reeves of the Alaskan Air Command (ALCOM), North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and General Goodpaster of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) based in Mons, Belgium, his final tour of duty before retiring.

His assignments took him around the world, including, Pensacola Naval Station, Germany, Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Edwards AFB, California, Scott AFB, Illinois, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, Ent AFB, Colorado, SHAPE/Chevres AB, Belgium.

While on leave from Germany in 1951, he found the love of his life and bride to be, Carolyn W. Ouzts. They joined two hearts as one on September 14, 1952, and began their lifelong journey together.

Chief Branch is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Branch, of Navarre, Florida; daughter, Carla Butler, of Wakulla, Florida; grandson, Shawn Ridley, of Wakulla; granddaughter, Jamie Spivey and husband David, of Nashville, Tennessee; two brothers, Tommy Branch, of Albany, Georgia, and Billy Branch, of Comanche, Texas; and two half-sisters, Joyce Shipman, of Tallahassee, Florida, and Margaret Beckham, of Havana, Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at Hurlburt Air Force Base Chapel, Hurlburt Field, Florida, at the direction of the Chaplain’s office.

A Graveside Memorial Service with Full Air Force Honors will be held Thursday, September, 14, 2017, at Barrancas National Cemetery, onboard Pensacola Naval Air Station. Time has not been set.

Lewis Funeral Home, Navarre Chapel, has been entrusted with arrangements.