Mr. Viron “Speedy” Eugene Branch transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
The public memorial service will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Prestige Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel.
He was born in Alabama City, Alabama to Janie Mae Jackson and the late George Julius Sears on May 5, 1951. In his youth, he attended First Baptist Church of Alabama City, Alabama. He was a graduate of Carver High School Class of 1969. He was a proud member of the band where he shined as a trumpet player under the direction of the late Mr. Harold Watson.
He was an original founding member of the former “Twenty Grand Club”.
He attended the Alabama School of Trades and graduated with a degree in the Machine Shop Practice in 1972. From this, began his dedicated employment with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a Banbury Operator. He remained in the same department for the entire duration of his career until his retirement in June 2018 with 40 years of service. Due to his high productivity and quickness, he was given the nickname “Speedy”. He is preceded in death by his father the late George Julius Sears; his ever faithful grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. James Branch (who raised him and instilled his deep work ethic); his doting aunt the late Estell “Peaches” Isom.
His memories will forever live on through his precious mother Mrs. Janie Mae Jackson of Attalla, Alabama; his only child, who served as the pillar in his life, Veon Branch Chandler, whom he always referred to as Pookey,; his highly loved and respected son-in-law DeAnthony, (known affectionately as Chad) Chandler, Hoover, Alabama. Siblings: Gene Jackson of Gadsden, Alabama; George Sears Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; Emma Childs of Attalla, Alabama; Reverend Renaldo (Loren) Sears of Elgin, South Carolina.; Belinda Pollard of Springville, Alabama; and Angela Sears of Gadsden, Alabama. Aunt: Mary Bennett, Perrine, Florida. Uncles: William (Nell) Sears Marshall, Illinois and Joe (Betty) Sears, Neptune, New Jersey. His dearest cousin, Waymond (Gloria Jane) McGee Collinsville, Alabama. Longtime childhood friend, Otis “June” Penn. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. His longtime Goodyear Family and all of the crew members of the Local 12 Union. Special mention to his well-respected supervisor, Scott Smith; his favorite cutter man Mark Sanders; his highly admired trucker, Larry Rozell; special friend, helper, & operator of Banbury machine #2 Quinton McCall.
He was an avid and diehard Auburn Football Fan (War Eagle)! He exuded great joy in collecting guns, stamps, coins, tools, gadgets, and swords. He had a true obsession with finances that harmonized his need for being immoderately neat and exceedingly organized.
Professional Service Entrusted To: Prestige Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory. " Where the name is synonymous with service."
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