Raymond "Matt" Matthew Brasell

Matt Brasell was born to Anne Elizabeth Dial and Travis Cecil Brasell, Sr. in Mobile, Alabama on January 4, 1954. He passed away March 28, 2022, in Southside, Alabama. Matt was the younger brother to John “Sonny” Cannon and Travis Cecil Brasell, Jr.

It’s hard to tell the story of a person’s life and what they considered their greatest achievements, milestones, and celebrations. If Matt were here, he would certainly recall it best. His ability to recall names, dates, and events was perhaps one of his best gifts, and it was unmatched by anyone else in our family! Most of us, whom he left behind, affectionately call him Uncle Matt and share these words from our close up view into his life.

While it’s true that he lived his latter years in Southside, Alabama, Matt spent most of his life in Mobile, Alabama. Matt would love to tell you about his growing up years. If you had a few minutes, he would enjoy telling you about how he lettered in baseball and football at Davidson High School and graduated with the class of 1972. Of course, there would be plenty of classmates names mentioned and stories of pastimes to share. He might even recall that he played center alongside Richard Todd and how Richard went on to play for the University of Alabama and even the NY Jets!

The enjoyment Matt had for all things sports related was all to easy to see. As children, we could always count on him being at the ball field. He coached the Babe Ruth League and also umpired many baseball games. Between his nephews games and Uncle Matt’s umpiring, that feeling of being at the ballpark with its red clay, cheers from the stands, and burgers grilling at the concession stand, baseball was part of the fabric of who Matt was.

And speaking of burgers, it seems quite fitting to mention that Matt loved to eat! While it’s true that he was a frequent flier at the local Huddle House, Matt’s truest love for food was that of his mother’s. Granny could cook like no other, and her southern cuisine was absolutely divine! Matt loved his mother and father dearly. After they passed, it brought Matt comfort to recall their lives to whomever would listen. He never missed an opportunity to honor their memories, and attributes his favorite life quotes to them: “Do what you’re supposed to do, when you’re supposed to do it, and everything will be ok!” and “Always try to see the good in people instead of the bad!”

Matt was proud of his family. He wanted regular updates on all of our lives and was always supportive of our endeavors. When we needed advice on a painting project, Uncle Matt was there to share a thing or two about paint since he spent years working at BLP Paint, Indurall Paint and Sherman Williams as manager in Mobile and Daphne, Alabama. His knowledge was welcome as we grew and needed to learn these things ourselves. Our family also grew as great nephews and nieces were born, and this brought joy to Uncle Matt as he watched another generation grow up.

After moving to Southside, Matt lived with his older brother and family. These years brought comfort to Matt as only family could for him. Being a member of Cross Camp Cowboy Church allowed us and so many others to witness Matt’s love for his older brother Travis Cecil, and after his passing, Matt played an even larger role at the church. He often shared the weekly announcements and faithfully led the congregation in the annual tradition of the lighting of the Advent Wreath. Christmas was an important time for Matt. He loved the holidays. Occasionally, he even dressed as Santa Claus to help bring cheer to others at the church’s special Christmas event.

We know Matt knew how to be a perfect pretend Santa because his best friend was Ray Hall in Mobile. Ray was so much a part of Matt’s life that to know Matt was to also know Ray. While we bet most of Mobile knows Ray due to his larger than life personality, many people will remember Ray as a seasonal, jolly Santa Claus doing special events around the Mobile area. Ray’s wife Judy and their boys were just as much family to Matt as we were, and he missed them greatly due to the distance that Matt’s move brought.

Matt worked for several years for Valley Services in the Etowah County area and truly took pride in delivering meals for those the company served. Matt’s health took a turn for the worse over the past several years, and soon, it was him that needed a bit more serving. It was his sister-in-law Candy and nephew Garrett who would largely take up that role. Uncle Matt and Garrett shared a special bond built around things the two of them found funny because they both had a way of seeing the lighter side of life.

Matt recently shared a short word to Kristen about the greatness of God. He knew who God was and voiced thankfulness for the breath God gave him and for the beautiful creation all around. We know Matt looked forward to his Heavenly home and seeing those he loved that were already gathered there. Matt will be missed for sure, and if you find yourself missing Matt, rest assured, Matt knew your name and will be glad to welcome you Home whenever that day comes.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Brasell family.