David Burl Brazell

Dr. David Burl BRAZELL, age 93, husband of Mildred Brazell, passed away Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at his home in Sun City. He was born May 16, 1925 in Harrison, Arkansas to Gertrude and Samuel Brazell.

He was honored as a Founding Professor Emeritus in May, 2001 one of the first four professors selected by the University. But he was best known as “Coach” to the students and alumni of Grand Canyon University which he served as professor, athletic director, and coach of multiple sports starting in 1951.

Dave began his career at GCU by coaching basketball. He coached the team until the mid-1960s, posting an undefeated season (1958). He started the baseball program in the early 50’s and built the program into a national powerhouse in the NAIA college division. His 1980 team took the NAIA National Championship. He also served as the athletic director and was chairman of the Department of Health, Physical Education at Grand Canyon University until he retired in 1990 from teaching. He continued as the golf coach for the next 12 years.

During Brazell’s professional career he received numerous honors and awards. The Grand Canyon University Baseball Stadium was dedicated as "Brazell Field." He was 8-time District VII Baseball Coach of the Year and 11-time District Golf Coach of the Year. His uniform was on display at Cooperstown, NY. He was a coach on the first USA collegiate all-star team that toured Japan in 1976. The GCU Alumni voted him Outstanding Professor Award in 1981. Brazell has been placed in numerous Halls of Fame including: the Arizona Sports, Arizona High School Baseball Coaches, NAIA Baseball Coaches, American Baseball Coaches, Grand Canyon University, the Pac 12 Field of Honor, Junior College Football Officials, University of Central Arkansas, and Harrison High School Hall of Fame.

Brazell also officiated football in the WAC and PAC-10 conferences. He was selected to officiate the Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl. In 1974, he was selected to officiate in the newly formed World Football League. He also served as the liaison official for several Fiesta and Insight.com Bowl games. He served as an evaluator of PAC 10 Football Officials for 12 years and evaluator for PAC-10 Basketball Officials for 8 years.

Brazell served overseas three years in the 1st Marine Division, during World War II, in Okinawa and China. After he returned from the military he earned a B.S. degree from the University of Central Arkansas, a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas and doctorate from Arizona State University. Later in life, he served as the President of the Phoenix Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association.

Dave was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Phoenix for 67 years. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Trustees, and Chairman of the Recreation Committee.

David's special interest and hobbies include golf, hunting, reading and family activities. He played golf in all 50 states and he and his wife, Mildred, attended games in every Major League Baseball Stadium.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mildred Brazell; his daughter Diane of Avondale and his son, Don and his wife Jeanine of Mansfield, TX; 4 grandchildren, Jason and his wife Kim of Tucson, Sharon and her husband Adam of Nashville, Luke and his wife Vicky of Chicago and Rachel of Mansfield, TX; 3 great-grandchildren Emma and Jack of Nashville and Audrey of Chicago. David is also survived by his brother, Rex Brazell and his wife Norma of Harrison, AR. He was predeceased by his brother Lee and sisters Martha and Isabel.

Services will be Saturday, October 27th at First Southern Baptist Church, 3100 W. Camelback Road. Visitation is at 9:00 a.m. with the Celebration at 10:00. Military honors will be at the Phoenix Memorial Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to the Dave Brazell Memorial Scholarship fund. Please contact Madeline Winney, Executive Director GCU Scholarship Fund, at [email protected] or call her at 602.206.4465.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com for the Brazell family.