Master Chief Kenneth Wayne "Red" Brazel

Master Chief Kenneth Wayne “Red” Brazel, age 79, passed away on December 22, 2021, at Carl Vinson Veterans Hospital in Dublin, Georgia.

Red was born on October 18, 1942, in Edison, Georgia. He graduated from Edison High School in 1960 and enlisted in the Navy. After a three-year service, he returned home for a short time and worked as a tractor mechanic in Dawson, GA. When the call went out for tradesmen for the construction effort in Vietnam for Seabees, Red re-enlisted as a mechanic. His first assignment was with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133. Subsequent assignments included Argencia, Newfoundland; Naval Construction Battalion Unit in Norfolk, Virginia; Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 in Gulfport, Mississippi; COMCBPAC in Port Hueneme, California; and, the Naval Reserve Headquarters in Tampa, Florida and Austin, Texas. The heroism Red showed throughout his military career did not go unrecognized. He was awarded the Navy Commendation with Star, Presidential Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, Combat Action, Navy “E” with two Stars, Meritorious Service, Navy Expeditionary, Good Conduct with 4 Stars, National Defense, M-16 A1 Rifle Expert, .45 Cal Pistol Expert, the Republic of Vietnam Service with 5 Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Leaf, and Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal. Red retired from the Naval Personnel Command in 1985 at Washington, D.C. After his retirement, he spent several years employed at Albany Tractor Company in Albany, GA among other private-sector jobs in various locations.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Brazel and Mildred Louise Brazel; brother, Harold James Brazel; niece, Jennifer Smith; nephew, Chris Hart; brother-in-law, Larry Hart; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Brazel. Survivors include his wife, Helen Brazel; former wife, Bonnie Harter Brazel; children, Ann McGraw (Tom), Brian Brazel (Michelle), Tammy Fox, Kim Bergen; stepson, Jeff Anderson; six grandchildren, Max, Elliot, Allie, Emma, Samantha, and Treyten; and siblings, Imogene Hart, Gail Rowell (Charlie), Gary Brazel (Piper), Helen McMath (Andy), Carol Jepson (Larry), and David Brazel.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in his memory to The Seabee Historical Foundation, P.O. Box 657, Gulfport, MS 39502.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Mathews Funeral Home, 3206 Gillionville Rd, Albany, GA. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Kenneth Wayne “Red” Brazel.