Hugh H. Branch Sr., founder of Hugh Branch Inc. and a 60-year produce industry veteran, died Jan. 23. He was 95.

Mr. Branch was known as a pioneer, a foresighted leader and an innovator. In 1957, with the help and encouragement of his beloved wife, Barbara, and brother, Julian, Hugh founded a firm that grew to be one of the largest marketers of vegetables throughout the United States.

Hugh H. Branch Inc. eventually became one of the largest distributors of fresh sweet corn in the world. The company continues today under the same name after being sold to devoted employees at Mr. Branch's retirement in 2007.

Mr. Branch was born on June 29, 1924 in Bonnie Clabber Bluff, GA. After graduating with the Pahokee Blue Devil class of 1944, Mr. Branch served in the U.S. Army European Theater of Operations.

In addition to being a successful businessman and loving family man, Mr. Branch also found time to be a public servant. He was a Pahokee City Commissioner in the early 2000s and served on the board of the local bank. His church home was the First United Methodist Church of Pahokee and he was a dedicated supporter there for many years.

He was also a loving husband, father, and a friend to many who will all grieve his passing. His guidance and tutelage will live on today with the many lives he touched along the way.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Barbara, and two daughters, Tammy (the late Danny Shiver) and Kimberly Branch. He was preceded in death by his son, Hugh H. Branch Jr. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Mary Frank Carr of Dublin, GA. Hugh also leaves behind three grandchildren, Holly Branch Young, Justin Shiver and Ryan Shiver, as well as two great-grandsons, Shaun Penrod and Justin Shiver Jr.