Donald Fall Bracewell

Donald Fall Bracewell was born in Atlanta, GA on May 7,1924. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 8, 2022.

Don grew up in the Grant Park Neighborhood and attended Commercial High. In 1943, at the age of 18, he joined the Army Air Corps where he first served as a flight instructor for young cadets in Texas.  He later volunteered to train as a co-pilot for the new B24 bomber and served in the 15th Air Force, 98th Bomb Group in WWII. He flew missions out of Italy to Northern Italy, Germany, and Austria.

After the war, Don attended UGA on the GI Bill graduating in 1948. His first job out of college was with the Coca Cola Company where he worked in trade research. Most of his career was spent with the Trust Company of Georgia in the Factoring Department. For 38 years, he was a hardworking, dedicated member of his team, developed strong relationships with his co-workers and clients, and built lifelong friendships that lasted beyond his retirement.  

While at Trust Company, Don met a pretty, young nurse, Ellen, on a blind date who was the love of his life. They were married for 69 years and were completely devoted to each other. Their wedding was in the Little Chapel at Glenn Memorial Methodist Church where they remained active, faithful members throughout their marriage serving as officers of the Jake Ward Sunday School Class and on many other church committees.

Don and Ellen raised their 5 children, 4 sons and a daughter, in Atlanta.  Don was a big sports fan and supported his children’s soccer, football, and cheerleading endeavors at Briarcliff High School, often spending entire days at the stadium to watch JV and Varsity games. He was also an avid golfer, enjoyed many rounds of golf at Druid Hills Golf Club, and traveled extensively with the Georgia Senior Golfers to play on some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

Don lived a meaningful life characterized by honor, humility, and humor. He will be remembered for his quick wit, patriotism, strong sense of community, abiding faith, and deep love for and devotion to his family. He was a true gentleman and a perfect example of “The Greatest Generation.”

Don is survived by his wife, Ellen Humphries Bracewell; their children and spouses, Scott and Rebecca Bracewell, Steve and Sueanne Bracewell, Bob and Vickie Bracewell, and Donna and John Baumstark; and is preceded in death by his youngest son Ted. Don is also survived by his nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren; his youngest brother Carl and spouse (Alice); many loving nieces and nephews; and is preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses, Sara Hynninen (Arvo), Eleanor Casteel (Bob), and John “Buddy” Bracewell (Nita).

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Glenn Memorial Methodist Church with brief visitation before and after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Glenn Memorial Methodist Church or to the Ted Bracewell Brain Tumor Foundation at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, http://together.emory.edu/bracewell.