Garvin "Butch" Lee Brazel Jr.

Butch served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. He was deployed to Germany where he worked in the mailroom. After his discharge, he spent a year backpacking through Germany with his best friend, Malcom Scarbrough. When Butch returned to the United States, he began his work as a brick mason and was a successful brick masonry contractor for over 35 years.

In 1989, he met the love of his life, Hilda Brazel. He and Hilda married in 1991. Together they worked to raise their children with good morals and a strong sense of family. They hosted Friday night game nights for friends and family and Sunday dinners where all were welcome. They enjoyed weekends at the beach, family canoe trips, taking care of their beautiful gardens, and trips to the mountains. Above all else, they enjoyed the many weekends spent playing with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Butch was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed learning about history, religion, and philosophy. He was a gifted gardener and grew a beautiful vegetable garden every year. Butch was a devoted Florida State Seminoles fan and spent many Saturdays coaching the team from his living room recliner. He was quite sure if he yelled loud enough, they were sure to hear him over in Tallahassee. He made sure to rest his voice enough to do the same on Sundays for his favorite pro team, the New Orleans Saints.

Butch is preceded in death by his father, Garvin Lee Brazel, Sr.; his mother, Lucille Chandler Brazel; his brother Raymond Presley; his sister, Sue Hudson; and his mother-in-law, Polly Weller Welch.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Hilda Brazel; his brother Mike Brazel (Deneen); his sister-in-law Dorothy Presley; his brother-in-law, Robert Weller (Sylvia); his children Leslie Larson (Ronnie), Jeremy Gunn (Julia), Amanda Forst (Clint), Andrea Brazel (Josh), Stephanie Damasceno (Victor), Tanis Arielly (Tony) and Chyloe Morgan (Scott); his grandchildren Ian Larson (Jenna), Gage Larson, Haley Forst (Jordan), Courtney Forst, Caitlyn Forst, Jackson Gunn, Ethan Gunn, Molly McKay, Emily Harris, Alex Damasceno, Lucas Damasceno, Spencer Areilly and Nick Areilly; his greatgrandchildren Brayden Vaughn and Baylee Vaughn; and his lifelong friends Karl Pangburn, Bob Guseman, and Malcom Scarborough (Penny); his many nieces and nephews and their children; neighbors and friends; and his dogs Maggie, Stella, and Max.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of West Florida Hospital, Covenant Hospice, and the VA. A special thank you to Julie-Canfield Buddin and Cheryl Fritz for the love and support shown to the family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023, at 1:00 PM with a service to follow at 2:00 PM at Eastern Gate Memorial Chapel,1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534.