William Brackeen

Billy had a smile that was pure, radiant, and joyful. He greeted people with that smile of his and an ever-outstretched hand, eager to turn perfect strangers into friends.

Billy was an avid baseball fan, specifically, a fan of his hometown Houston Astros. It made no difference whether he watched games on television, listened on his radio, or sat through a thunderstorm until the very last pitch of the ball game. The man simply loved him some baseball.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Faye, father, Charlie, and sister, Lorraine Elizabeth. He was a loving brother to James H. Brackeen, together with his wife, Linda Brackeen. He is survived by his nephew, Jim, niece, Liz, as well as Rita Jones, Stephanie Fulton, Kathy Brackeen, Megan Brackeen, Nicholas Brackeen, and Jesse Brackeen.

With his passing, Billy leaves behind a void; an empty chair at Rita’s home where his family often congregates for holidays.

Billy was a good man. He was pure of heart, filled with kindness, and strong enough to face difficulties and limitations each day. Those difficulties didn’t define Billy Brackeen, and he certainly didn’t yield to them. Instead, he made a place for himself in a world that wasn’t necessarily built for folks like him.

He was a beloved member of the several communities he called home over his 80 years. His family would like to express their deep appreciation for Sandra Trevino and all the lovely folk at Avir Bay City (formerly Colonial) who made Billy’s final home a place of comfort and peace.

Those who showed him love, respect and chose to provide a comfortable space for him, thank you. Those who never had the pleasure of meeting him: know he would’ve treated you like he did most everyone else - with that same smile, hand outstretched, ready to make your acquaintance.