R. Brackett Priddy Jr.

PRIDDY, R. Brackett Jr., passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family at home Saturday, November 17, 2007 after fighting a courageous lifelong battle with kidney disease. Born December 25, 1977 in Buffalo, N.Y., Brackett was reared in Richmond and Lexington, Va. and brought a great deal of joy and love to his parents, who survive him, Bob and Barbara Priddy; and to his two sisters, Caroline P. Habenicht and her husband, Paul and Kendall M. Priddy. Brackett is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Marguerite J. Thompson of Raleigh, N.C.; two uncles; three aunts; and numerous cousins. As a youngster, Brackett enjoyed several summers at Camp Maxwelton in Rockbridge Baths, Va. He participated in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed tennis and music. He graduated from St. Christopher's School in 1996, where he was a recipient of the David Boney Award for Courage and Overcoming Obstacles. After being on dialysis for several years, Brackett received a kidney transplant in May 1995, and went on to graduate from Washington and Lee University in 2000. An optimist, a humorist, an artist, a Christian, a man who loved country drives in Rockbridge County, a prankster, a counselor, a man who cared about others, a movie and T.V. critic and a dog lover, Brackett was a model for living life to the fullest. Never wanting to be the center of attention, he never wanted to discuss his health issues with his friends, though they knew he was often in pain. His family thanks the many doctors and nurses, who helped Brackett through the years and especially, Dr. Marty Starkman, Dr. Jerry Mendez and Gigi Spicer, all at Henrico Doctor's Hospital. A celebration of life for Brackett will be held Wednesday, November 21, at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Rd., at 2 p.m. A graveside service will be held Friday, November 30, 2007 in Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, Va. at 2 p.m.