Mike Brackin

1946 - 2022

Mike Brackin

Mike Brackin, 76, went home to be with Jesus surrounded by family on July 25, 2022 after an extended illness.

Mike was born February 8, 1946 in Dothan, AL to Albert and Ada Brackin. He was the youngest of six children. Mike served in the Army Reserves during his early 20s. On April 12, 1969, Mike married the love of his life, Gloria Franklin Brackin, and they were blessed with three children.

Mike enjoyed playing softball. He was inducted into the Alabama ASA Hall of Fame in 1995. Later in life, he enjoyed the game of golf and watching Alabama football.

Son. Brother. Christian. Husband. Daddy. Granddaddy. Friend. Teammate. Boss. Church Bus Driver. These words describe the many different roles Mike Brackin stepped into throughout his life. The title that mattered most to Mike was servant of his Lord Jesus Christ. His security in knowing he was a child of God gave him the strength, faithfulness and generosity needed to carry out these roles.

To his wife Gloria of 53 years, he was provider, confidant, partner and spiritual leader. Their marriage, in sickness and in health, is a legacy of faithfulness for generations to come.

To his children and grandchildren, he was the strongest man they ever knew. But they understood where his strength came from. Every morning Daddy could be found reading his Bible and praying, using teachable moments to point his family to Jesus.

After his immediate family, Mike was devoted to his church family. Every time the doors were open he had his family in church. Mike attended Memphis Baptist Church his entire life. He was a faithful servant filling many areas of service. One of the ministries closest to Mike's heart was the bus ministry. He spent many years faithfully calling and praying for his list of kids. Numerous lives were touched and changed through this ministry.

Mike worked at Sherwin Williams for 17 years before venturing out in 1980 to start his own business. Brackin Wholesale began "in a shack down the track" and God blessed. He worked tirelessly until he retired in 2004 and continued that same work ethic at home and at the church.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Albert Brackin Jr., and two sisters Audrey Brackin and Olbia Mixon.

He is survived by his wife Gloria, his children Andrea Herring (Ricky), Shon Brackin (Kelly), Allison Harvey (Johnny), three grandsons Brady Herring (Marilaine), Payton Herring, Gabe Brackin, six granddaughters Kinley Herring, Katie Jo Brackin, Mylee, Brooklyn, Naomi and Skylar Harvey, one brother Athol Brackin (Gloria), one sister Melba Bradford, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thank you to Ranae Kelley, faithful caregiver, and the Kindred Hospice team.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Memphis Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Memphis Baptist Church with Brother Jim Tate officiating. Interment immediately following at Memory Hill Cemetery.

Flowers or donations to Bus Outreach Ministry of Memphis Baptist Church accepted.

"How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust." Psalm 40:17

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