William D Bramlett

Born as William Dee Bramlett on June 28, 1940, “Bill” lived a life of adventure with no regrets. His roots began in Indiantown, Florida and then Wildwood, Florida. He graduated at 16 and was hired by Seaboard Coastline Railroad. After, he worked on the job for the next 13 years as a police officer for the City of Miami PD. The days were spent attending college at Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. His nights were dedicated to protecting society from crime. He then moved to New Jersey and worked for Roadway Express for over a decade. In the ensuing years, he became an entrepreneur and succeeded in various occupations of interest.

More importantly, family and travel were the joys of Bill’s life, as long as Mary was by his side. Through their 45 year love story, the journey included Santa Fe, Nova Scotia, Oregon and St. Augustine as favorite destinations. However, Jackson Hole was the special stomping grounds for family reunions. Since the extended family lived throughout the US and even France, Bill and Mary would plan for everyone to meet in JH, typically every two years. Many, many special memories were made together and none will be forgotten. As a picture on their Family Room wall says: “All Because Two People Fell In Love”

Some of Bill’s favorite stories include staring down a rattlesnake, crashing his snowmobile numerous times with a resulting injury and the time he shot himself in the leg practicing his quick-draw. There were many fascinating chronicles of being a cop which involve wrestling a gun away from a thug or being shot by a perp. He was also run over with a vehicle and then heard a report of his demise on the airwaves of his own police radio. There were tales of his motorcycle trips with the guys and scenic rides with “Maw.” The Tea Cup ride in Disney is also a familiar yarn. Most of all, Bill will be remembered as a kind man who made people smile. Whatever walk of life, he looked for simple ways to brighten their day. His grandkids loved his warmth and Grandpa games — whether it was looking for buried treasure or camping out as cowboys.

Our favorite “Bill” quotes feature: A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do”, “Say what you want but ride a fast horse”, “Sure is purty, Ma”, “Good grub Ma” and “Well, I’ll be darned”. “Whiskey River, take my mind” - (Willie Nelson) was a favorite tune he would sing.

Bill is survived by:

Mary - his wife of 41 years

His beloved children

Brenda (Jim) Bailey - Trenton, FL

Marty Bramlett - Highland Ranch, CO

Scott Bramlett - NYC, NY

Jennifer (Jason) Asselstine - Choteau, MT

Jerry (Phyllis) Hartmann - Denville, NJ

Lynda (Jess) Hartmann - Hackettstown, NJ

Danny Hartmann - Orange Park, FL

Billy (Gabriel) Hartmann - Brazil

Grandchildren - Maggie, Abby, Nick, Josh, Daniel, Taylor, Danielle, Quentin, Alana, Katie, Michael

Brother - Gerald (Cynthia) Bramlett - Tallahassee, FL

Pre-Deceased by his parents Garland and Frances; and brother Richard Patrick.

A Celebration of Life will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Ride Cowboy Ride. Until we see you again.