It is with sincere sadness the family of V. Gene Bracewell report his passing on Tuesday morning, May 8, 2018 at 83 years of age following several years of declining health related to idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was surrounded by his loving family as he passed peacefully to eternal life with his Lord.
His memorial service will be at H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill Chapel, 1020 Spring St., Atlanta, GA at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 12, 2018, followed by interment at Crestlawn Memorial Park. The family is receiving guests on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 pm at Spring Hill.
Born in Atlanta to Vernon & Ethel Bracewell, he married Gloria Katharyn Hildebrand June 3, 1956. They would have been married 62 years on June 3, 2018. Gene attended both Georgia State University and Emory University before launching a career at National Chemical Co., an NSI company, where he rose to be its President.
In 1960 Gene became a Mason and Shriner and found a passion for his volunteer work and leadership. Gene served as President of the Yaarab Shrine Band and was the youngest man ever elected as Potentate of Yaarab Shrine Temple in 1973. He was also an associate member of Shaddai Shrine in Panama City, FL. He went on become Imperial Potentate of the Shriners International and hosted its annual international convention in Atlanta in 1985. Gene was a member of the Charity Daylight Lodge No. 754, York Rite-Chapter 56, Commandery No. 27; Scottish Rite-Valley of Atlanta, Orient of Georgia. Honorary member of the Supreme Council, Order of DelMolay 33rd Degree. Past Sovereign, Red Cross of Constantine, Atlanta, St. Ambrose Conclave. Gene was also a member of the Yaarab Temple in Atlanta where he was initiated in December of 1960. He rose to serve as Potentate in 1973. Over his career Gene excelled in becoming the youngest leader to reach so many high offices of honor. He however found his greatest fulfillment in serving years as Chairman of the Board of Shriners Hospitals for Children 1986-1996 and as Treasurer of SHC from 1997- 2012, leading the organization through a major rebuilding of its system of twenty-two hospitals and establishing Shriners Hospitals for Children as one of America’s most revered and broadly supported philanthropies.
Gene was awarded the 33rd Degree of Scottish Rite Masons, an honor that cannot be sought or applied for but only given in recognition of exemplary leadership and service to the tenants of Masonry.
Gene is survived by his wife Katharyn, his daughter Vicky Carroll her husband Julian, and their son Jared and daughter Katie; his Son Richard Bracewell and Wife Jennifer, and their daughter Roma; and his daughter Kathy Bracewell all of Atlanta, GA.
He is also survived by his brother Jim Bracewell and his wife Nancy of Atlanta, their sons and Gene’s nephew Ron Bracewell and his wife Jamie, and Michael Bracewell, and his wife Callie and children Griffen, Caroline, Alexandria, and Ellie.
He is survived by his Brother-in-law Tommy Hildebrand (deceased wife Barbara) of Senoia, GA and their son Don and his wife Jean along with their children. A number of relatives also survive.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider the contributions to Shriner’s Hospitals at donate.lovetotherescue.org or mail to Shriner’s Hospitals, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL. 33607.
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