Grady, Sandy, Dad, Tiny, Big Poppa Branch. Born to Henry Grady Branch Jr. & Mary Ellen Boyd in San Diego, Ca. 1947. Moved several times during childhood in and around the Los Angeles area, finally settling and growing up in Torrance, Ca. from the age of 8. Attended West Torrance High where he was admired and loved by his fellow students. His step-father, Oliver Russel Fletcher Sr.(Pete), and mother were founding members of Meyer Lane Southern Baptist Church in Redondo Beach where Grady worshipped his Lord. He accepted Jesus into his heart and exclaimed his faith joyously while singing in the church choir. He joined the USMC in 1965 to serve his country in Vietnam. He was part of the 3rd Marine division and stationed in Khe Sahn. The atrocities that he witnessed and the friends that he lost there were forever burned into his soul and he struggled with PTSD for the remainder of his life, but he was forever proud of his service to his beloved country. After returning, he met Goldia A. Knight and they married March 28, 1969. Grady & Goldia had 3 children in Torrance and moved to Simi Valley in 1976 where they had 3 more children. Grady enjoyed camping and traveling, especially with his family which was the center of his life. He lived to ensure that all of his loved ones were doing well and were safe. He was a loving and caring son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and patriot. His loss is devastating to the family he left behind, but the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ comforts our hearts and we all wait in anticipation to hear his infectious laugh and feel his comforting embrace again.
Grady, Sandy, Dad, Tiny, Big Poppa Branch. Born to Henry Grady Branch Jr. & Mary Ellen Boyd in San Diego, Ca. 1947. Moved several times during childhood in and around the Los Angeles area, finally settling and growing up in Torrance, Ca. from the age of 8. Attended West Torrance High where he was admired and loved by his fellow students. His step-father, Oliver Russel Fletcher Sr.(Pete), and mother were founding members of Meyer Lane Southern Baptist Church in Redondo Beach where Grady worshipped his Lord. He accepted Jesus into his heart and exclaimed his faith joyously while singing in the church choir. He joined the USMC in 1965 to serve his country in Vietnam. He was part of the 3rd Marine division and stationed in Khe Sahn. The atrocities that he witnessed and the friends that he lost there were forever burned into his soul and he struggled with PTSD for the remainder of his life, but he was forever proud of his service to his beloved country. After returning, he met Goldia A. Knight and they married March 28, 1969. Grady & Goldia had 3 children in Torrance and moved to Simi Valley in 1976 where they had 3 more children. Grady enjoyed camping and traveling, especially with his family which was the center of his life. He lived to ensure that all of his loved ones were doing well and were safe. He was a loving and caring son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and patriot. His loss is devastating to the family he left behind, but the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ comforts our hearts and we all wait in anticipation to hear his infectious laugh and feel his comforting embrace again.
