Dennie Ray Braswell

Dennie Ray Braswell was born on May 9th, 1937 in Bronte, TX to George and Oleta Braswell. His spirit left this earth at home, peacefully, on October 15th, 2021.

He grew up in Bronte and declared it the best place to live. He measured a person's success on how quickly they moved back to Bronte.
He was drafted into the army in 1959 where he made new friends, won fitness and sharpshooting challenges, and boxed.
He married Sharon Smith Braswell on May 11th, 1962, and they had three children. They lived in Odessa for a few years before moving to Portland, TX where he worked for Reynolds Metals.

He moved back to Bronte in 1976 and became the beloved caretaker of the local park. Generations of kids in Bronte claimed Dennie (affectionately known as Bop) as their granddad. He taught many of them how to drive using his old 1980s Subarus, always had a pocket full of candy, and a listening ear. He would buy snacks and snow cones for all the kids at the pool concession stand. He also served his community in many other ways including running the chains at the football games for over 40 years and serving on the school board.
Dennie retired in 1997 to focus solely on snake and coon hunting and to spend time with his grandkids. Even into retirement, he kept a brisk pace in life. He was tough and strong, climbing mountains, tending cattle, and dancing babies to sleep.
Dennie could befriend anyone. He genuinely loved others, was kind and generous, and he was quick to lend a helping hand.

Dennie is survived by his wife, Sharon, daughter Shaye Coalson and her husband Wayne, son Blane Braswell and his wife Kim Braswell, son Blake Braswell and his wife Valerie; ten grandchildren Kanah Esquell and Justin, Reese Braswell and Ashley, Riley Coalson, and Lynsey, Ariel Johnson and Jordan, Case Braswell and Devin, Mason Braswell, Creed Coalson, Kaitlyn Braswell, Marley Braswell, and Tanner Braswell; 6 great-grandchildren Sayde, Kelton and Charlee Coalson, Sabrie Esquell, Blythe Johnson, and Lucy Braswell. Dennie is also survived by many other extended family members and friends.

A visitation for Dennie will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Bronte Church of Christ. His funeral service will follow on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 10:00 am also at the Bronte Church of Christ with John V. Driggers officiating.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Bronte.

Memorial donations can be made to the Bronte Ambulance Fund at PO Box 357 Bronte, TX 76933.