Bill Braceland

George William (Bill) Braceland crossed the finish line of his last marathon on March 6, 2023 at the age of 94. He passed away in peace next to his beloved wife of 72 years, Dorothy (Dot or Dottie). Throughout his long life, he was blessed with a loving family and many friends; the short journey that brought him to his last breath was equally blessed with family, friends, love, laughter and a few tears walking alongside him on that final mile.

Bill was born in Newton Massachusetts to the late George and Peg Braceland in 1928. He was one of eight children and his childhood was certainly one that nurtured many warm, wonderful memories and stories that will be carried on by family. He received an electrical course diploma from the Newton Trade School but before graduation he joined the Navy in January of 1946 when he was 17 years old. In 1950, Bill married the love of his life, Dot Pfeifer and was deployed to Africa 2 days later. He served in aircraft squadrons and on the aircraft carriers USS Hancock and USS America during his Naval career. He retired as Master Chief Avionics Technician 26 years and 5 children later. After retiring from the Navy, Bill, Dot and family settled in Paola, outside of Sanford, Florida and he went on to earn several college degrees. He worked for the City of Sanford for over eight years, seven of those years as the city building official. In 1980, Bill accepted a dream job from Reedy Creek Improvement District as Plans Examiner of Construction for the development of EPCOT at Disney World. He retired in 1991 as Deputy Manager of Reedy Creek Improvement District. During Bill’s 20 year second career stint, he was an active member of the Building Officials Association of Florida, serving as president in 1986-87, and also the Southern Building Code Congress. He received many awards and much recognition for his service in the industry including the building official of the year in 1987 and the M.L. Clement Award in 1990. After Bill’s second retirement in 1991, he ventured into what he called the “magic years”. Bill and Dot embarked on an adventure of camping trips that took them to every state in the union and several Canadian provinces. He also kept busy with wood working of all sorts and his love of racewalking. He and Dot participated in countless 5K, 10K and half marathon races. Bill took it to the next level with more marathons than we can count including a special invitation to the Boston Marathon.

Bill’s big sister Joyce, little sister Cindy, brothers Jackie, Punkie, Butch and treasured son Bill preceded him in death and welcomed him home with a party! He is survived by sisters Nancy and Jill, cherished wife, Dot, daughters Lynn Yoas of Austin TX, Terri Mynatt and husband Fred of Oviedo FL, Patti Braceland Sikora and husband John of Glenwood Springs, CO, daughter in law, Debbi Braceland of Glassboro, NJ and son Tom Day Braceland and wife Debbie Jo of Blairsville, GA. He was proud grandfather to Peter, Greg, Lauren, Stacey, Kenny, Max, Luke, Billy, Amy, Steven, Kelly and Willy; great grandfather to Sarah, Garrett, Brady, Julia, Zoey, Braceland, Maive, Emmie and Stella and great, great grandfather to Emlynn.

Family, friends and all who knew him in the Central Florida running community will miss Bill’s presence in our lives and at the start line. When anyone asked Bill “how are you today?”, he always answered with complete honesty “a little better than awesome!”. We can honor Bill’s memory by living our life with that same spirit.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at All Souls Historic Chapel,

800 S. Oak Street, Sanford, FL 32771. Please feel free to wear your favorite race jersey!!

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate or Donate Life America: Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation https://www.donatelife.net/give-to-dla/