Howard Russell Brakefield, age 93, of Pinson, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021 of a massive stroke at Princeton Baptist Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born at home on August 22, 1927 in Haleyville, Alabama.
Russell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Syble Louise Thrasher Brakefield; his parents, Millard Lake and Eula Mae Rogers Brakefield; sisters, Eva Davis and Ruth Springer; three brothers, Karl, Earl, and Bruce Brakefield, and a granddaughter, Faith Michelle Bailey.
Russell is survived by his daughters, Jeanne Gaffney (Ed) of Hoover, AL, and Cathy Bailey (Ray) of Stratford, OK; his son, Jim Brakefield (Marian) of Pinson, AL; five much loved grandchildren, Tracy Hilton, Amy Gregory, Adam Bailey, Linzy Foster, and Wesley Brakefield; eight great grandchildren, Brianna, Kaeden, Barrett, Maia, Chloe, Townes, Phoebe, and James.
Like so many members of the "Greatest Generation," Russell joined the US Navy at the age of 17 to serve during World War II in the South Pacific with the 7th Fleet under Admiral Bill Halsey on the ammunition ship, USS Mazama. On January 12, 1945 the USS Mazama was hit by a Japanese manned torpedo at Ulithi Atoll which because of his mother's prayers back in Alabama, amazingly failed to explode. Following return to active service the USS Mazama continued to supply munitions to the fleet until the end of the war. Russell had a truly unique experience when he was chosen to board the USS Missouri in his dress whites during the signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
Following his service, Russell returned to Alabama for many years where he was self employed. In 1961 the family moved to Akron, Ohio where he worked at the Chrysler Corporation. The family returned to Alabama in 1967 and were long-term residents of Pinson, AL, where he and Syble were members of Sharon Baptist Church. The area they lived was lovingly referred to as Hallelujah Square because so many church members lived on Loop Road. He and his wife, Syble, owned and operated B & B Sales, a wholesale auto parts company until 2010.
Russell and Syble became devout members of Gardendale First Baptist Church, where Russell served as a deacon. For many years, Russell and Syble served at Magnolia Ridge Nursing Home on Sundays, leading the music and bringing the message to the residents there. Russell was loved by his family and friends. His work ethic was unmatched and he will be remembered for his generosity and going out of his way to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed.
Special thanks to the Oaks on Parkwood Skilled Nursing Facility, Princeton Baptist's 5 West staff, especially Amber Samuels, RN and Vicki Swan, RN, and the Palliative Care Nurse, Catherine (Catie) Rice, also Chaplain Ernie Willis of Comfort Care Hospice for your love and care for us during this difficult time.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, Gardendale, AL on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 with a time of visitation to begin at 10:00 AM and a Celebration service at 11:00 AM followed by a reception in the Fireside Room at Ridout's. Mr. Brakefield will be buried with his wife at the Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL at 2:45 PM. Rev. Bill Evans of Hopewell Baptist Church will officiate the services.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Comfort Care Hospice, 245 Cahaba Valley Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124.
Pallbearers: Kaeden Duke, Barrett Gregory, Paul Brakefield, Pat Brakefield, Wesley Brakefield, Kelvin Brakefield, and Linzy Foster.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Brakefield family.
