Frank Branch

Dr. Franklin Benjamin Branch Jr. was born September 23, 1944, to Lennie Barnett Branch and Frank B. Branch Sr. of Goodman, MS. He graduated from Holmes High School in 1961 and Holmes Jr college in 1963. He continued his education one semester at Mississippi State University to complete study in preparation to enroll in the college of Veterinary Medicine in Auburn, AL. He graduated as the youngest student ever at AU College of Veterinary Medicine, continuing on to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine as a post-doctoral student in veterinary pathology and received a degree in 1969.

Frank married Dixie Slaton in 1969 and moved to Cleveland where he went into practice. In 1972 he established his own practice in Boyle, MS until his retirement in 2012.

He was active in the Mississippi Veterinarian Medical Association, serving as President and on many committees. In 2013 the MS Veterinarian Association honored Frank with a plaque for his outstanding loyalty and dedication to the Association.

He was a charter member of the American Veterinary Society. He served as delegate for MS to the American Veterinary Society for sixteen years. Dr. Branch received the Veterinarian of Year Award in 2011.

He also served as the President of the Cleveland Country Club and Board member for six years. He served on the Bolivar County Community Action Agency for twenty years and received the outstanding Board Member Award.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Branch discovered and recognized the first case of ehrlichiosis in the State of Mississippi and also helped to pioneer the first vena cave heartworm surgery in the State.

He was a faithful and loyal member of the Merigold Methodist Church which he loved dearly.

He is survived by his loyal and beloved wife Dixie of 56 years who helped make these things possible. Frank was preceded in death by their children, Ben and Janet.

Dr. Frank will be remembered by all who loved him for his compassion, wisdom, and integrity.