Wallace Carlton “Wally” Brackeen was born in Gladewater, Texas, on Oct. 27, 1944 to parents, Columbus Alonzo “Jack” Brackeen and Dorothy Marie Smith Brackeen. He passed away at home with family in Cleveland, Texas, on December 30, 2025 at the age of 81.
Wally retired from Eastman Chemical Company as a supervisor in 2003. He was a member of Pine Lodge #1396 in Longview, Texas, and was a Master Mason of 55 years. He married Shirley Rivers on Aug. 15, 1964, and they began their long and loving lives together in New London, Texas.
Wally was an outstanding athlete at New London High School. He went to State in Broad Jump and was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Wally loved fishing, boating, camping, and his motorcycles. He was an avid rider from 1972 to 2014.
Wally was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be deeply missed.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus Alonzo and Dorothy Marie Brackeen; brother, Bill Brackeen; sister, Judy Phillips.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Shirley Brackeen; beloved daughters, Perri Lavasque and husband Mark, and Kathy Stovall and husband Dwayne; beloved grandchildren, Josh Craig, Heather Craig, Taylor Smith and husband Caleb, Wyatt Stovall and wife Shelby, and Jackson Stovall; beloved great grandchildren, Lili, Lex, Stevie, Lottie, Vernon, and Della.
Visitation will be in the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Funeral Service will begin at 1 p.m. with Bro. Justin Herron officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Joshua Craig, Wyatt Stovall, Jackson Stovall, Dwayne Stovall, Roger Huff, and Jim Blair.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Oak Shade Baptist Church, Cleveland, Texas.