Thomas Brazeal

Thomas LeTellier Brazeal was born on Nov 7, 1941 in the Panama Canal Zone to Herbert and Lucile Brazeal. He had an older sister, Patricia Ann Brazeal Hipp. He was promoted to Glory on September 21, 2023 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Mary Jo Connell Brazeal and their two children Robert (Jessi), LuAnn (Brian), as well as their Grandchildren Devon, Cole, Gage, Kash, Livia, Addison, and Holton. Thomas was preceded in death by their son Derrick Connell Brazeal. He was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Williston. He was an Eagle Scout, Scout Master and a Past Master Mason. He was active in his Sunday school class and church. He grew up in Tampa, FL, where graduated from Chamberlain High School. When his family moved to Williston, Fl. He became a draftsman for Gainesville Gas Company and later became GRU Gas distribution transmission manager and Engineer. Later attending Purdue University, Institute of Gas Technology in Chicago and Texas A. & M. He worked 42 years before he retired. Tommy was a miracle baby. He was born with a hole in his heart, he was not expected to live past 5 years of age. His Aunt Lucy was a Sergeant Major in the Army and also a nurse that would import vitamin E and other medications from Canada to help with his heart condition. As a young boy growing up in a military family, he could not do physical activities like other little boys. Back in those days, they waited to do open heart surgery until Tommy was 24 years old. He couldnt join the military like his father because of his heart; however, he decided to join the Boy Scouts and worked his way through the ranks. Even then, he was told he could never become an Eagle Scout because of his heart was too weak. A challenging task in the scouts was to swim across a lake and everyone said he could not make the swim. But with his hard work, dedication and support of his sister and his parents, he finally accomplished that task. He met his wonderful wife in eighth grade at the church youth group in Tampa. When they began to date after high school, he told her that I am getting ready to have open heart surgery. Mary Jo knew then that her leap of faith and love for Tommy was well worth it. After the surgery for the first time in his life, he could walk up three flights of steps without his fingers turning blue. Finally, he could do activities just like everybody else. After practicing in the car and recording himself and playing it back, Tommy got enough nerve to go over to Mary Jos house to propose matrimony. Mustarding up the nerve to ask her father, with his hands sweating and heart beating fast, he asked in his soft voice may I marry your daughter. Tommy rejoiced in excitement because Joel and Anna Connell were delighted and blessed them. After 56 plus years of marriage, three children and seven grandchildren later, their love and dedication are evident. He was a man of many talents, from building his own house, cars or toy models with his grandchildren. Tommy taught his children what it means to be a man of his word. He would say "take the time to do it right the first time so you dont have to do it again." Tommy enjoyed vacationing with his children and grandchildren in St Augustine, FL. He loved the outdoors, playing cards and checkers with his family, and driving his 57 Chevy. His dedication and steadfast determination were evident in his faith, love and the way he lived his life. Throughout his life, he was known by his childrens friends as Pa B or Mr. B. Thomas wanted the legacy of love to be passed to all people. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 11:00 am at the First Methodist Church in Williston, officiated by Judge Joe Smith, Pastor Dave Richter, Phil Greene, Rob Brazeal, Devon Brazeal, and Holton Love. In Lieu for Flowers, contributions can be made to Williston Boys Scouts Troop 163/Cub Scout Troop Billie Davis (352-317-4708) Mailing address: 250 N.E. 6th BLVD, Williston, FL 32696.