Donald Ray Brakefield

Donald Ray Brakefield, 77, died peacefully on May 4, 2024 at Avow Hospice.

Don was born on November 10, 1946 in Harlan, Kentucky. His family moved to Dunedin, Florida in the early 1950s. Don graduated from Dunedin High School in 1964. He went on to attend the University of South Florida where he met and later married Jeanine Hackett. Don volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. During his time of service, he was stationed in Thailand and was responsible for protecting weapons. After he was honorably discharged, Don attended the University of West Florida where he graduated with a degree in accounting. He began his CPA career as an auditor at Price Waterhouse. Don eventually took a job with Collier Enterprises, and he and his family relocated to Naples, Florida in 1983.

While in Naples, Don worked as a certified public accountant, and in his later years, transitioned into agriculture and landscaping. He enjoyed competitive sports and spent time coaching his daughters in a bowling league and on multiple softball teams, including Little League teams and traveling teams. Don was also an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed being outdoors surrounded by nature. He had a passion for offshore fishing and never passed up an opportunity to be out on the water. After his daughters decided to attend the University of Florida, Don put on his Gator hat and never looked back. He loved all sports, but especially enjoyed watching the Gators play football. He was known affectionately by many as Gator Don.

Don was predeceased by his father, A.J. Brakefield, and his mother, Billie (Dunavent) Brakefield. He is survived by his daughters, Lenore Brakefield and Lindsay Brakefield Cohen (Brad Cohen). He is also survived by his sisters, Ann (Andy) Perlowski and Susie (Barry) Furman, his brother, Bill Brakefield, his brother-in-law, Fred Hackett, his nieces, Bridgette de Gyarfas, Nicole Abeln, Tiffany Brakefield-Allen and Mariah Furman, and his nephews, Sean Furman, Brad Hackett and Alex Furman.

A celebration of life will be held at Hodges Life Celebration Center located at 26051 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134. The celebration of life will be held on June 1, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Collier County Audubon Society or Avow Hospice.