William Edwin Bracey

William Edwin Bracey passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born in New York, NY, on October 4, 1928 to the late Mary H. and Edwin L. Bracey. He is the husband of Marilyn “Jane” Bracey; father of Michael Bracey (Charlotte), Jeffery Bracey (Linda), Timothy Bracey (Brenda), Gregory Bracey (Teresa) and Mary Eileen Pansano (Tommy); grandfather of Joyce Bracey, William Bracey, Sarah Johnson, Emily Neff, Matthew Bracey, Zachary Bracey, Erin Guidry, Rachel Bracey, Laurie Harmon, Jonathan Pansano, and Cory Pansano; great-grandfather of Tucker Godbold, Eleanor Godbold, Gabriel Godbold, Kipling Bracey, Silas Bracey, Elijah Bracey, Adeline Bracey, Arlo Tillman, Aislyn Guidry, Isaac Guidry, Aubree Wiest, Noah Bracey, Jonah Bracey, Abram Bracey, Amelia Harmon, Lily Harmon, Abby Harmon, Cullen Pansano, and Isabella Pansano; and great-great-grandfather of Stevie-Linn Bracey. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his brother Hugh “Larry” Bracey (Miriam) and his sister Margaret Pratt Bracey. 

He was a proud resident of Jeanerette, Louisiana, a star player on the 6-man football team for Jeanerette High School, and he spoke often of the good times on the bayou. On his 18th birthday, he began his military career and served honorably in the Navy for many years, proudly representing the U.S. on a Goodwill tour, followed by active duty in the Korean War. He was stationed on multiple ships and bases in several territories. He followed active duty with several years in the Naval Reserve. His civilian career was spent in the Accounting Department for the Navy. He had a successful career and was respected as a good man and Veteran in the Westbank New Orleans area.

He settled with his family in Algiers, LA. He and his wife, Janie, were married in 1950 and recently celebrated their 74th wedding Anniversay. Though baptized in the Catholic Church as an infant, his full practice of the Catholic faith began as an adult, and from that point forward, he embraced his faith wholeheartedly and with great reverence. Every night, for the past several years, they would say a litany of different prayers for their entire extended family and special friends. It included anointing their struggling body parts (hands, shoulders, knees, legs, etc.) with blessed oils and Lourdes water.

Bill was truly a unique man of few words, which often disguised his profound outlook on life. He was also the “go to” person when a favor or errand was needed and he lived up to the motto: “Bill can do it.” He was a quiet, giving, compassionate, and caring person. He enjoyed spending time in his garden when he was able. His true passion was spending time with his loving family, and he thoroughly embraced his role as Grandpa. He particularly enjoyed the many family gatherings for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and regular Friday night extended family dinners. He lovingly prepared his “World Famous Pancakes” for family gatherings large and small. His spirit and tender nature will remain in the many memories of his cherished friends and family until they meet him again in Heaven.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by the Woldenberg Village care facility and the many workers there, and also to their special private caretaker of many years, Ms. Joyce Turner. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider prayers and contributions in his memory of to Holy Name of Mary Church or the charity of your choice. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 400 Verret Street, New Orleans, LA 70114 on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with public visitation from 11:00 – 1:00, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow on December 16, 2024 at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. 

MOTHE Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at www.MotheFunerals.com.