Rocky was born in Birmingham, AL on November 15, 1957, to Reverend Karl C. Brakefield and Mary John Brakefield. He dealt with a range of disabilities through the years. The worst of these was blindness. He seldom, if ever, complained. He wanted to work so badly, to be like everyone else and have a job. He tried his hand at commercial dishwashing and working in a school for the blind; he attempted several jobs, but it wasn't meant to be. In his early years he had a girlfriend (Judy), and a best buddy (Larry), and us, his family. Many years went by, years of time shared together, with lots of love. Even in all his struggles with injuries, disabilities, especially blindness, one thing Rocky could see is that he was oh so loved. Loved by his Momma and Daddy, loved by his brothers and sister, loved by all who ever met him and most of all, loved by God.
In his later years, Rocky lived at Muscogee Manor Nursing Home and had a ministry visiting numerous other residents through the years. We have a number of friends on staff and residents who loved Rocky, and we truly love them. They were and are a blessing to us. God bless those who care for others who struggle with life's infirmities!
Rocky has left this world and gone to be with our Lord. He has been made whole and glorious! I will end this with a few words from Rocky. He said, "I will have brand new eyes, and I will see again." When our Daddy died, our pastor asked Rocky how he was doing. Standing there in the hospital, blind and broken-hearted, Rocky replied, "Trusting Jesus, that is all." That is what we are doing today - trusting Jesus, that is all.
Rocky is predeceased by his father and mother, Karl C. and Mary John (Johnnie) Brakefield; his nephew, Donny Brakefield; and great niece, Justice Brakefield. He is survived by his brother, Kenneth D. Cunningham, Michael L. (Kathleen) Brakefield and Patrick W. (Rosemary) Brakefield; sister, Sue (John) Halley; nephews, Michael (Ketra) Cunningham, Joshua Brakefield, Lake (Kara) Brakefield, Logan Brakefield and Caleb (Elise) Brakefield; one niece, Terri Hornsby; great nephews, Justice Cauley, Michael Cunningham Jr., Luke Brakefield, Jack Brakefield and John Wayne Brakefield; great nieces, Annabella Cunningham, Blanchard Brakefield and Karolyn Schlader; and numerous cousins.
A Visitation for the Family and Friends of Rocky will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM.
A special thank you from the heart to Columbus Hospice and especially all the staff at Muscogee Manor Nursing Home, the nursing and CNA staff on the South and East wings, many of who we recognize as gifted with true tender-hearts.
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Columbus Hospice.
