Ernest "Ed" Edward Braswell

Ernest Edward Braswell (Ed), 82, passed away peacefully at his residence on April 19, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was born October 16, 1943, a beloved son of Edwin and Mary Braswell. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Braswell.

Ed grew up in Norwood and graduated from Phillips High School. His brother, Freddie, wrote a poem for Ed’s 64th birthday about the wonderful days they spent up and down Clayton street. In high school, Ed sang with a quartet called the “Twighlighters”. They sang at various events and even made a record that played a lot on Birmingham radio.

As a kid, Ed played softball on a team for Norwood Baptist in a church league. He painted a strike zone box on the wall of a Publix grocery store, practiced for 2 years and at 15, became the team’s pitcher. Ed went on to play many years of softball and would later win “Most Valuable Player” in the Alabama State Fastpitch Tournament. Many fond memories were made with his fastpitch teammates and family while traveling to invitationals, especially Clearwater, Florida. His team played many national teams and beat them. He loved to tell stories about these adventures and all the characters he befriended along the way.

Ed had a long successful career in industrial distribution. As a salesman for Ford Tool and Carbide, he worked hard for his customers and many became lifelong friends. He would often drive overnight and across multiple state lines to deliver an urgently needed part. In 1981, Ed received recognition as “Salesman of the Year” from the Purchasing Management Association of North Alabama. In 1985, Ed and Sharon made the bold decision to open his own distribution business, Braswell Tool Sales. Eventually, Ed purchased Ford Tool and Carbide and retired from the business he loved for many years. Ed believed that a company was only as good as the people behind it, and he took pride in looking after his employees and treated them less like a workforce and more like an extended family

Ed wrote in a memoir to his family, “Since November 1, 1979, I have been on a fabulous journey.” This was Ed’s sobriety date and for the next 46 years, he would practice the principles of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. Ed faithfully attended meetings at his home group, South Suburban in Hoover, until just recently, when his health would not allow it. Known as Eddie or Eddie B., he always had a hug ready for those who needed it most and a commitment to love the alcoholic until they were able to love themselves. Ed maintained his sobriety for all those years through service to engage and support newcomers to AA.

Ed was grateful for the people, places, and hobbies that brought him joy throughout his adult life. Ed and Sharon had a shared love of UAB football and basketball. They would often extend tickets to family and friends, creating long-lasting memories. Fishing was also a favorite pastime that he often used to spend time with his daughters or to talk to his mother (Ma).

Of all Ed’s interests, he was most passionate about the game of golf. Ed’s golf games were with a group of diverse, loyal, and longterm friends built over a lifetime. He was a member of the endearing golf group “The Dewsweepers” for over 40 years. The Dewsweepers not only played golf, but they sustained each other through the good and hard times.

Ed’s love for his family is immeasurable. He is survived by his wife, Sharon and their 7 daughters, LeeAnn Davidson (Don), Becky Martin (Pedro), Linda Dobbins (Barry), Laura Dobbins (Thomas), Jeannie Garner (Rob), Jennifer Collier (David) and Sarah Roberts (Chris); his brother and childhood best friend, Fred (Freddie) Braswell; grandchildren, Lauren Prickett, Jordan Davidson, Raychel Wooten, Alex Martin, Michael Dobbins, Anna Marie Dobbins, Marley Lugg, Emmy Bramblett, Brennan Hagan, Tate Hagan, Mary Kate Beasley, Reagan Roberts, Preslee Roberts, Luke Roberts, Annie Creech; and great-grandchildren, Smith, John, Noah, Henry, Scottie, Josie, Ellie, Faith, Reese, Ava Paige, Barrett, Brooks, Ryan Kate, Matthew, and Amelia.

Ed was a member of Riverchase United Methodist Church and he nurtured a loving relationship with his Higher Power. You could often hear Ed saying, “God is good all the time and all the time God is good”.

As Ed requested, a Celebration of Life will be held with immediate family and close friends on a future date. The family is grateful for all the love and support during this time.. If you would like to honor Ed, optional memorial donations may be made to Fellowship House Recovery Services, in Birmingham, Alabama, in his memory: Donate - Fellowship House Inc. [fshbhm.org].