Alton Branch, 58 yrs. old, a native of Greenville, Al. died in his home in Norfolk, Va. Wednesday, May 16, 2012. He was born June 19th, 1953 as Alton Earl Branch, son of Horace Irvin Branch and Evelyn Wilson Branch both from Greenville, Al. He had two brothers, Alvin Wayne Branch of Pensacola, Fla. and Allen (Claire) Branch of Pensacola, Fla., four sisters, Joni (Cecil) Rhoades of Bryant, Texas, Branda (Jerry) Huggins of Georgiana, Al., Glenda (Joseph) Perdue of Luverne, Al. Melinda (Greg) Powers of Hendersonville, Tenn. and Leandra (Jeff) Grigsby of Pittsburg, Pa.. Alton graduated from Greenville High School in 1971. He joined the United States Air Force to be a pilot but his eyes failed the strict eye test, so after a 5 yr. hitch he left and joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country 16 yrs. and saw the world abroad the Carriers, Nimitz, Kennedy, and Eisenhower as an E-6 A.T. Tech Alton retired from the service after 21 yrs. In 1974 Alton married the love of his life of 37 yrs. Tonia Lynn Hill, they had two children, Michael Scott Branch of Norfolk, Va., and Angelia Nicole (married to Commander Jason) Schwartzkop of Virginia Beach, Va., three grandchildren, Harmony, Brianna, and Evelyn and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alton was preceded in death by his father, mother, and oldest brother. Alton’s wishes were to be cremated and have a burial at sea ceremony. A devoted husband, loving father, son and brother. His loving heart and gentle soul will live forever in the hearts of those he has left behind. “Fair winds and following seas, sailor.”