David Allen Brabham

After several months of declining health, it was in his 91st year on Monday afternoon, November 26, 2012, that D(avid) Allen Brabham died at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and was instantly born into eternal life.

He leaves to mourn their loss and celebrate his life his wife, Barbara Francois Brabham; his daughter, Ann Baker (Colin) and her three sons, Mark, Stephen and David of the United Kingdom; his son, David (Barbara) of Niceville, Florida and their son Caleb of Oklahoma and his daughter, Marsha Howard (Dan), their son, Daniel (Amanda) and their two children, Jackson and Vada of Mississippi. Others include his nieces, Michele Francois, Linda Huffman, Aimee Davis and nephew, Brian Francois, all of whom reside in North Carolina; nephews, Tom, James and Bobby Williford of Oklahoma; and his brother-in-law, Charles Francois (Bobbie) of Cape Coral, Florida.

Rev. Brabham was born in New Orleans to Mittie and Lee Andrew Brabham. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served in England in the 389th Bomb Group. When he wasn't keeping B-24, B-17, and B-29 airplanes flying or dodging buzz bombs, he sang in a band in the local town and on base. Allen returned from the United Kingdom before war's end because two of his brothers were killed in action. Upon his discharge, he earned degrees from Mississippi College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1950, he served as chaplain at Southern Baptist Hospital and was a graduate school instructor for NOBTS. He ministered in churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, and at the time of his death was Associate Pastor at Tallahassee's Antioch Baptist Church where he mentored pastors for more than twenty years. Additionally, he served for many years in various capacities at Forest Heights Baptist Church.

His secular work was in the field of vocational rehabilitation where he served people with disabilities from 1960 until his retirement at age 64. This work included several opportunities to work at Auburn University, Florida State University and the University of South Florida. During his tenure with Vocational Rehabilitation Mr. Brabham received several honors and certifications. His hobbies included restoration of antique automobiles, gardening and wood working. But his greatest interest and passion was the study and teaching of the Holy Bible which earned him the nickname of "Rabbi" (Teacher), a title he held dear. He loved banana pudding, chicken and dumplings, and fried oysters. He is remembered for his kindness, love of teaching and patience, his cheerfulness and smile. His passing leaves a hole in many a heart.

Visitation with the family will take place at Culley's Funeral Home (Timberlane Chapel) on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 10:30 AM followed by a service of remembrance and celebration of Allen's life at 12:00 Noon. A reception following the service and interment will be held at the funeral home in the MeadowWood Room. Presiding ministers will be the Rev. Jim Lehman, the Rev. Bruce Ferris, and Dr. Dan Howard.

In lieu of flowers you may wish to consider a love offering in his memory to the Building Fund of Antioch Baptist Church, 5605 Gum Road, Tallahassee, FL 32304.