BOBBY JOE BRACKNELL SR.

Bobby Joe Bracknell, age 83, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and grandfather. He was born October 14, 1941, to Woodrow Wilson Bracknell and Florette Matthews Bracknell. He grew up in Hueytown, Alabama but had very fond memories of the time he spent with his grandparents in Woodstock, Alabama. Bobby graduated from Hueytown High School in 1960 and attended apprentice school through Local 92 Steelworkers Union. He worked with American Bridge until he began his career at United States Steel. He retired from US Steel in 2004. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow (Bud) and Florette Bracknell; his loving wife Sandra Franklin Bracknell; his son Bobby J. Bracknell Jr and son in law Timothy Wilding. He is survived by his children Melinda (Russell) Nix, Brent Jason Bracknell, and Elizabeth Wilding; his grandchildren Anna Nix (Michael) Portera and Peyton Grace Wilding; his sister Vera (Bob) Graves and brother Woodrow (Woody) Bracknell; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bobby had an incredibly special fur baby, Daisy Belle, that he loved dearly and was a constant companion after the loss of his wife, Sandra. In addition to his participation in Local 92 Steelworkers Union, Bobby was a member of the Hueytown Lion’s Club, Hueytown Civitan Club, Hueytown High School Alumni Association, and the Allemande Club. During his time with the Allemande Club, he and Sandra enjoyed years of square dancing, clogging, round dancing and formed lifelong friendships. Bobby was a member of Hueytown First Methodist Church and enjoyed working in the food pantry. Bobby was a talented leather craftsman and made many leather bracelets for his children and their friends, custom leather purses and belts/toolbelts for friends and coworkers. He loved to travel with his wife, Sandra, and their fur babies in their motorhome throughout the United States. Bobby was a pet lover and had many beloved pets over the years and adored his grandpups. A private graveside burial was held on Friday, August 22nd at Valhalla Cemetery in Midfield, Alabama. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14: 1-3