Paul L. Brackbill

Paul L. Brackbill (1946-2024) was an incredibly devoted father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and a loyal friend to many. He taught himself the values of persistence and hard work as a young boy in order to help pay his struggling family’s bills. He was born in Charleston, SC and later moved to Charlotte NC with his family. He took newspaper routes, worked at Park N Shop, and repaired neighborhood kids bikes to support his family. He miraculously managed to graduate from Harding High School in 1964 even while working full time at night. Because of these hard life lessons, he went out in the world with excessive grit and an incredible work ethic that lead him to a career at Piedmont Distribution where he met his wife, Cathy Brackbill. They fell in love fast and if you ever talked to him for even 2 minutes you would know that he loved her more than anything in this world. Together they became successful entrepreneurs, owning and operating Belhaven Tire and Auto for 25 years which fulfilled his dream: to give Cathy and their children, Chad and Carrie, the life that he always wanted as a child. He had all that he dreamed of: a loving family and a warm happy home where he was finally able to have joyous celebrations on Mountain Island Lake surrounded by love and affection. Cathy and Paul created the happiest home that everyone flocked to.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Iola Hammond Stone, who raised him and was the biggest influence during his childhood. She taught him to have a soft heart for others and lead with integrity and love. He is also preceded in death by his mother Gladys Stone.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife of 51 years, Cathy Johnson Brackbill, their two children, Chad Brackbill and Carrie Brackbill Tucker, and son-in-law Chris Tucker. He was a proud grandpa of two: Dylan and Brady Tucker. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Skipper and Sharyn Johnson, Larry and Nancy Pryor as well as his nieces and nephews: Jim Pryor, Randy Pryor, Adam Johnson, and Erin Johnson. He had two very close lifelong friends who continued to visit him no matter how sick he was: Mike Smith and Jennings Lee.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the pulmonary team at atrium, and a very special thank you to Dr. Scott Furney who truly made him feel loved and valued.

A visitation for Paul will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 12, 2024 in Castanea Community Church Cemetery, 14815 Lucia Riverbend Hwy., Stanley, NC. Please have all flowers sent to the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com.