Tonnie Ottis Bresnahan

Tonnie was born September 30, 1931, in Fayette, Alabama. He spent most of his life as a faithful member of the Coker community. Tonnie was known for his love of Jesus, the Bible, and his church community Coker Methodist and New Beginning Church. Flowing from his love of God, he was also known for his generosity; he was generous not only with his possessions, but also with his time. He loved an unexpected visitor, a conversation on his back porch, and the chance to help a neighbor. As a friend, he was always available to help whether it was assisting someone who ran out of gas, delivering a ham at Christmas, or building a woodworking project for anyone.

Tonnie loved people. As a grandfather and great-grandfather, he always showed up for baseball games, school events, volunteer projects, church music performances or anything his grandchildren were involved in. He believed in being present for the people he loved and genuinely enjoyed celebrating other people’s accomplishments. His 33-year career with Bellsouth took him all over Alabama and allowed him to make many lifelong friends.

He was known as "PawPaw T.O." to many because he was like a grandfather to all, not just to his own grandchildren. Tonnie also loved a good joke and the chance to laugh. His goofy personality kept him young into his nineties. His great-grandchildren enjoyed him not only as a great-grandfather, but also as a playmate: jumping in puddles, swinging, and taking afternoon naps together.

Tonnie was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Faustine Price Bresnahan; son, Roger Bresnahan; parents, Frank and Ella Bresnahan; and sisters, Mary Clemmons, Dora Faye McDaniel, and Nora Beard Sullivan.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Holcomb (Gene); daughter-in-law, Sheila Bresnahan; brother, Ed Bresnahan; grandchildren, Trent Bresnahan (Baylee), Nick Bresnahan (Lauren), and Sarah Bresnahan, Anna McKinney (Adam), Russell Holcomb (Rayanna); great-grandchildren, Crew Bresnahan, Blair Bresnahan, Petra McKinney, Judah McKinney, Collins Holcomb, Clark Holcomb, Ridge Holcomb, and Hayes Holcomb; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Fuller officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Trent Bresnahan, Nick Bresnahan, Russell Holcomb, Adam McKinney, Keith McKnight, and Ben McKnight.

Tonnie's legacy is one of faith, family, service, and love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him. Tonnie’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Stracener, Dr. Fulgham, and the many nurses and staff of the VA who provided professional, excellent, and loving care while living his last days with them.