Tommy Neal Braxton, 74, of West Columbia, died Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Born July 6, 1943 in Columbia, SC, he was a son of the late Julius Levi Braxton and Aleen Gertrude Frierson Braxton, and married to Janis Hyatt Braxton. A master plumber, pipe and gas fitter, he retired from the Columbia Housing Authority. Tommy was a devoted Christian who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was funny, strong, and enjoyed being with his family. A truly unique man, there was only one "Hammer", a small man with an amazingly huge heart. He will always be remembered as such. "In my father's house are many mansions" and I will wait for my loved ones in mine.

He is survived by his wife, Janis; daughters, Cindy Braxton Aughtry (Gerald), Vickie Braxton Goff (Ernest), Susie Braxton, Amanda Aleen Braxton (Steven Broome), and Brianna Alise Braxton; six grandchildren, Barbara Goff Boulware, Thomas Goff, Ron Hewitt, Jr., Jon Ryan Hewitt, Alexis Hewitt, Braiden Neal Broome; sisters, Jackie Raby, Joanne Turner; brothers, Bobby Braxton, Edward "JR" Braxton, Robert Braxton (Deborah); and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He had many friends but among those was his special friend, Kenneth Yonts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Walker Braxton; and sister, Hazel Gaskin.

The funeral service for Mr. Braxton will be held 2 o'clock, Tuesday, October 17th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Monday evening at the funeral home.