Virginia Beach
Bennie Brackins, our beloved husband, father, and friend passed away Monday, November 17, 2008.
Bennie proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 21 years and retired as a Senior Chief. He will truly be missed.
He is survived by his loving wife Alma Brackins; five children Sharon Sattler, Marla Abell, David Brackins, Teresa Allen, Brian Brackins, and their spouses; nine grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
A memorial mass of resurrection will be conducted at 1:00PM Monday, November 24, 2008 in Little Creek Amphibious Base Chapel with Father James E. Parke officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society at 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA. 23452; or The American Heart Association at 500 Plume Street East, Suite 110, Norfolk, VA. 23510. All non-military personnel must register with the funeral home at 757 422-4000 in order to be permitted on the base. All attending services must enter base through Gate 3. Condolences can be offered to the family at altmeyer.com
Alma and family please accept my condolences at your loss. Ben was a trusted and good friend to me. My daughter, Christine Spute, who lives in Cheasapeake, informed me of his passing last night. We will miss him.
Alma, Jesse and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ben used to work with my father, Norman Simmons , when he was in the Navy and then later he worked with Jesse’s father, Howard Spute, for Raytheon. I always remember Ben as having a smile on his face. May the loving arms of our Heavenly Father cradle you close during this difficult time.
Alma,Brian and family, We were truly saddened to hear of the passing of Ben. I will always remember the great times we shared when Joey and Brian played football & basketball together. It was my privledge to have coached them and by doing so gained such great freinds as you and Ben. It goes without saying if there is anything we can do please let us know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Jim & Carol Funaro and family
Brian, May it comfort you to know that others are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Jim & Linda Bass
David and family – Your friends and classmates of Kellam’s Class of ’76 send our condolences to you and your family at this very sad and difficult time. May you be blessed with strength in the days ahead as you hold on to happy and fond memories of your beloved Dad.
Dear Alma and Family, Please know that my prayers are with you.
Dear Alma, Brian, David & Teresa,
Our family was so saddened to learn of Ben’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and a great mentor for many.
We will remember our trip to Florida with all the boys. Busch Gardens, and the many baseball trips and football games. I am glad our sons and grandsons are friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May many wonderful memories be with you always.
Leon & Joan Ware
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ben Brackins. As I contemplated the news, I realized just how influential Ben was in guiding my future and affecting my family & my life. He was there for me when I was just starting out in my career at Raytheon, having hired me in 1980 straight out of the Air Force as a repair technician. He encouraged me to complete my education at ODU, removing obstacles along the way. Ben guided me as a young technician in Module Repair for 2 years, then recommended me for Quality Supervisor to Suresh Advani in 1983. I worked with Ben & Suresh for 8 years at Virginia Beach, then 4 years in California. Nobody could imagine how blessed I was to have these two great men in my life the next 12 years. And they were close friends. Ben mentored me all along the way, and guided me around the many pitfalls that befall a young supervisor or manager. Ben did the same with all us young managers, and he was pivotal in our success and the success of many US Navy programs under his umbrella of responsibility. But most importantly, he was a true friend and trusted confidant. Ben kept me and my family in his heart, and always challenged me to do better, always cheering me on in his own special way. I could always count on Ben to touch base with me just when I needed his advice and experience. At Suresh’s funeral many years ago, someone said something that always stuck with me…and it best describes not only Suresh, but Ben. “He was a King-maker”, they said. A king-maker is someone who desires not to be king himself, but to make kings of the men around him. That accurately describes Ben. I love this man. I am fulfilled today in large part because of him, and in large part because of him I try to bring the best out in others. And I will dearly miss him. I hope knowing this brings some comfort to Alma and the family. I love you all.
Our deepest sympathy. Bennie was a great friend and golfmate and will be missed greatly.
To The Brackins Family:
I am truly sorry for the loss of your dear love one. Words cannot express the grief and pain that you feel. However, please find comfort in God’s promise found in the Bible at John chapter 5, verses 28&29, which states that all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life.
May God comfort you during these difficult times.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
We’re going to miss you Grandad!