Thomas Joseph Braxton, age 97, of Port St. Joe, Florida, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Bonifay, Florida. He was born in Jackson County Florida, on January 13, 1923, to the late Eli and Mattie Lee Braxton. At the age of seventeen, he joined the U.S. Army, serving six years during World War II. Upon leaving the military, Tommy went to Port St. Joe, Florida, and was employed by the St. Joe Paper Company where he worked forty years until his retirement in 1985. The same day that he was hired at the paper company, he met a young lady named Ruth, who in six months would become his beloved wife of sixty years. Tommy was self-educated, a hard worker, and a handyman, helping family and friends with various projects. During his long life, he enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, gardening, running, walking, and bicycling. Spending time with family and friends and keeping abreast of current events and sports were other priorities. As a faithful and longtime member of Long Avenue Baptist Church, Tommy was very involved in his church, having a servant’s heart, volunteering many behind the scenes hours, serving on various committees, and being a greeter and usher. He remained active there until he relocated to be near his children.
He was preceded by his wife, Ruth Braxton; son, Wayne G. Braxton; parents, Eli and Mattie Lee Braxton; three brothers, Chuck, Millard, and Sidney Braxton; two sisters, Ruby Stephens and Louise Ayers. Others predeceasing him are his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Hazel and Joe Ferrell.
Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Braxton of Bonifay, FL; his son, Jed Braxton and wife Kathy of Bonifay, FL; grandchildren, Jameson Cullifer, Bethany Riley and husband Shawn, and Ashleigh Taylor and husband David; great-grandchildren, Luke and Joshua Riley and Miranda and Gabriel Taylor; daughter-in-law, Lota Kay Braxton. Also surviving him are numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation will be at Long Avenue Baptist Church in Port St. Joe, Florida, on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at 1:00 PM EST, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM EST with the Reverend Eli Prine, Dennis Geoghagan and Matthew White officiating. Burial will be at Jehu Cemetery in Wewahitchka, Florida, after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International.