Gerald Edward Brazell

Gerald Edward Brazell, 84, passed away peacefully after several years of declining health. Gerald was born on New Years Day, January 1, 1942, the son of the late Wade Hampton Brazell and Eva Corder Brazell. Gerald was predeceased by six siblings: Ruth Brazell, Wilbur Brazell, Leroy Brazell, Doris Howard, Odell Brazell and Margie Johnson. He lived his entire life in the Northeast area of Columbia, SC, where he attended Dentsville High School, graduating with honors in 1961. He also completed the SC Bankers School at USC. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as a host of loyal friends.

Gerald chose banking for his career and served over 38 years with Bank of America and its predecessors. During his tenure there, he held many management positions in Carolinas Operations. At the time of his retirement in August 2000, he was Vice President and SC State Manager of Cash Services with responsibility for five regional facilities. Over the course of his career, Gerald was also responsible for the development of numerous staff and for mentoring many young officers as they began their careers, a role he greatly enjoyed. He maintained contact with many of his associates throughout the remainder of his life.

Gerald attended and worshipped at Holly Hill PHC in Northeast Columbia most of his life until that fellowship closed. He was the pianist of the church for approximately 40 years and worked in other aspects of the music program, following in the footsteps of his father. Gerald was an avid amateur photographer and enjoyed studying the works of others. He also enjoyed gardening for as long as his health permitted. Gerald's greatest joy, however, came from the many animals that he rescued and cared for. He could not resist an animal in need.

The memorial service to honor Mr. Brazell’s life will be held at 2 o’clock on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC 29223. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1 o’clock until 2 o’clock. A private family committal will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers who kept Gerald comfortable in his final days, including Connie Miller, Pam Brazell, and the terrific nurses and aides at Lexington Community Hospice House.