Mr. James Millard Braswell Sr.

James Millard Braswell, Sr. was born February 26, 1921 in Alexander Valley, AL. He was preceeded in death by his parents Virgil H. Braswell and Lillie Mae Braswell and his brother George Braswell. He lived in Gadsden, AL until World War II graduating from Gadsden High in 1939. He attended Monroe A&M in Monroe, Ga.,and Snead Jr. College in Boaz, AL. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1943 to 1946 as an instructor in the B-24 Liberator Bomber Mechanic School. In 1952 he moved to Sylacauga and started teaching Sunday School with 10 year old boys. Taught Sunday School since 1952 and was teacher of a mens Bible class since 1977 known as the Jim Braswell Sunday School Class and nicknamed the "Rednecks". As a member of the First Baptist Church since 1952 and had served over the years as Chairman of Trustees, Chairman of Deacons, Life Deacon, Chairman of Finance Committee, Chairman of Budget Committee, Chairman of Nominating Committee, Chairman of Pastor Search Committee, served as Brotherhood President and Training Union Counselor, Chairman of Emergency Committee and on the Constitution Committee.

He retired from City National Bank, now Superior Bank as Executive Vice President in 1991. He served as President of Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce in 1980 and 1981 and also served as Director of Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce for many years. He was Treasurer of Sylacauga Historical Society and was Vice President on the United Way Executive Committee. Had been a member of South Talladega Co. Cancer Society and as Chairman of South Talladega Co. March of Dimes, Secretary-Treasurer of the morning Exchange Club and member of the noon Exchange Club. He was a Master Mason since 1950 and a member of Sylacauga Lodge 929. He served as Secretary and Treasurer of Sylacauga Little League for 20 years and as Chairman and member of the Salvation Army for 20 years. He was a member of the J.C.'s since 1952..He was a member of the Sylacauga Beautification Council for a number of years.

He was married to Marjorie Sterling Braswell for 54 years until her death in March of 1996. They had 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is survived by daughter Brenda Braswell Davis of Florida, sons Jim Braswell, Jr (Joyce), Virgil Braswell (Jan) of Sylacauga, and Mike Braswell (Judi) of Birmingham. He is survived by 8 grandchildren, Marcella Ward (Mitch) of Florida, Jo Rogers of Florida, Jon Braswell (Sandy) of Sylacauga, Mark Braswell (Jeanette) of Sylacauga, Lisa Braswell Bailey (Shane) of Childersburg, Karen Braswell Kelley (Nathan), Mitch Braswell (Hillary) of Florida, Miranda Braswell Myrick (Chris) of Sylacauga, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great child. He is survived by a very special friend Frances Conn.

Funeral Services, directed by Curtis & Son, will be at First Baptist Church of Sylacauga on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation Monday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Dr. Bill Dean, Rev. Larry Morrison, and Rev. Tim Childers will direct the service. Pallbearers to be members of the Jim Braswell Sunday School Class and Honorary pallbearers to be from his Sunday School Class and Deacons of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga.