Hershel Branson, 99, of Piggott, Arkansas, passed away October 17, 2024, at his home in Piggott.

He was born on December 20, 1924, near Piggott, and was the son of the late Charles and Maudie (Gower) Branson.

He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army, assigned to the 767th Tank Battalion Company D in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He joined the Army on September 5, 1944, and was honorably discharged on November 20, 1946. He returned to Clay County and began his lifelong career of farming. He met the love of his life, Mary Blanch Toombs, in early 1949 and they were united in marriage on October 15, 1949. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and raised his family to proudly love God and country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Maudie Branson; two sisters, Stelveda Wood and Nina Fred.

Hershel is survived by his wife of 75 years, Mary Branson and their three children: Allan Branson and his wife, Cathy, Sheila Simmons and her husband, Tom and Sherrie Raspberry and her husband, Richard, all of Rector; grandchildren: Adam and Bridgette Branson of Rector, Michael Branson and Laura Garcia of Crockett, Tiffany and Michael Culver of McDougal, Kassie and Scott Pratt of Jonesboro, Felcia Lane of Paragould, and David N. Simmons of Mountain Home; great-grandchildren: Katie Branson, Shane Branson, Jaylan (J.J.) Branson, Caleb Branson, Ashton Scott, Anniston Scott, Blake Branson and Michaela Rients, Samantha Garcia, Nazareth Garcia, Maria Garcia, Micah Culver, Raines Pratt, Kason Simmons and Kaeleigh Clifford; greatgreat grandchildren: Grayson James Branson and Ellie Mae Claire Branson; two special care aids, Peggy King and Jannie Warbritton, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Hoggard and Sons Chapel in Piggott, Arkansas, with Kason Lawrence and Art Smith officiating. Burial was in Piggott Cemetery in Piggott. Pallbearers were Adam Branson, Shane Branson, Michael Branson, Blake Branson, Michael Culver, and Scott Pratt. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the Children’s Home of Paragould, Arkansas.