Joseph William Bracy, Jr.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, our family circle was broken once again when Joseph W. Bracy, Jr. a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend departed from our midst to receive his eternal reward. Joseph Bracy, also known as “Dee Dee” was born to the late Joseph and Helen Bracy on October 9, 1950, in Portsmouth. He was raised in Douglas Park and Truxton. He was educated in the Portsmouth Public Schools and graduated from Cradock High School. After graduating from high school, Joseph joined the U. S. Marines. He was a proud marine and was always filled with pride when opportunities arose to share that he served his country. Joseph later worked for 15 years in Shop 17 as a Sheet Metal Mechanic at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and in Food Services for Portsmouth Public Schools for five years. He also enjoyed each summer when he had the opportunity to use his passion for cooking at the Boy Scout National Jamboree in Petersburg, VA. Joseph accepted the Lord at an early age and renewed his relationship with God in the past few years. In his early life he was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA. Later in life he joined Noble St. Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA where he was a faithful attendant despite his health. He rode his scooter each Sunday to catch the bus and sometimes he would just ride his scooter from downtown Portsmouth to and from church. He would say “the bus is too slow”. Joseph was a lover of life and really enjoyed it to the fullest. In high school he ran track, started a band and was remembered for his James Brown impressions. He was a member of the Mark IV Club and a former Mason with the Truxton Doric Ionic Lodge #91. He enjoyed cooking for family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. He is the energy behind the Food Bank Ministry blossoming in his apartment complex. It started with his sister bringing him food each month and increased to 50 people in two different senior citizen apartments. Joseph was preceded in death by his loving parents Joseph “Candyman” and Helen Bracy. His infectious laugh, generous spirit, and love for seeing others happy, especially when he cooked for them, will be missed. He leaves to cherish his memory, his spouse, Denise Bracy, three children from previous unions, Tonda Wilkerson (Don), and LaShawn “Pumpkin” Bracy, and Joseph W. Bracy, III from his marriage to Paulette Bracy. He had five siblings, Irvin Bracey, Sr. (Cora Lee), Catherine Bracy, Lewis Bracy (Debbie), Orlena Lewis, (Jasper), and Anita Bracy, five grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Joseph William Bracy, Jr.

October 9, 1950 - December 10, 2022