William Michael Brackley

William Michael Brackley, of Windermere, Florida, passed away at 74 years of age on Monday July 11, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Known to all as "Mike," he was born in Columbia, Missouri on November 10, 1947 to Paul Ray Brackley and Dolores Buescher who preceded him in death. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Mike is survived by his wife Luisa Enamorado Brackley; his five sons William Michael Brackley, Jr., Peter Ray Brackley, Carlos Manuel Brackley and his wife April, Jonathan Wesley Brackley and his wife Ana Karen, and Daniel Andrew Brackley and his partner Lydia Cabot; his grandchildren Violet, Alexis, Clara, Syrus, Bebe, Emma, Emily, Kaitlyn and Lila-Gabrielle, along with two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Patrick Stephen Brackley and his wife Kathy and their children Kristine Hearing and husband Mark, Paul Brackley, Thomas Brackley and his wife Missy, and Allison Stutson and her husband Joseph.

Mike grew up playing sports and excelling at school in Shreveport, Louisiana (where he began his lifelong fandom of the LSU Tigers) before graduating from Rippowam High School in Stamford, Connecticut in 1965 and receiving a Bachelor of Arts at Central Methodist College (now University) in Fayette, Missouri in 1970. As a young man Mike was known as a fantastic athlete, particularly in golf and track, both of which he would continue enjoying through the rest of his life. He ran 17 marathons, including the New York City Marathon multiple times. Mike was a member of the Golden Bear Golf and Country Club at Keene's Point in Windermere, Florida the last five years. He was active into his final days, often proudly calling his sons to say "I burned 1,000 calories on the elliptical today, what did you do?"

Mike began his professional career working for several companies including Uniroyal in South Bend, Indiana, and Tenneco in Houston, Texas before beginning an over 20 year career at Buck Consultants, a prestigious actuarial firm headquartered in New York City, from 1984 until his retirement in 2005 at age 58. Mike held several titles over the years at Buck, including Director of Human Resources and Director of Business Strategy, and is credited with recruiting the industry's best actuaries while expanding the company's locations both domestically and internationally, as well as shepherding the company through several mergers. One of his final responsibilities was to manage a regional office in Singapore, which proved to one of his favorite projects and a destination he would visit many times in retirement. Mike was held in high esteem by his colleagues and mentored many men and women who credit him for their ascension to successful careers. Mike was also a successful investor and manager of several commercial properties in Louisiana that he co-owned with his brother and best friend Patrick, a partnership that he cherished dearly and proudly.

Mike relocated to Windermere, Florida in 2017 after more than 30 years living in Hamilton, New Jersey. Mike's love of travel took him and Luisa throughout the continental US, several Pacific and Caribbean islands, Europe, and the Far East including China, Malaysia and Singapore. He would often include his children and grandchildren on these adventures creating memories that will last lifetimes. Earning airline miles and hotel points became one of his favorite hobbies.

An accomplished professional, Mike's work ethic and commitment to being a provider are an admirable example of a man devoted to his family. He was revered, respected, and (most importantly) very loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother, several nieces and nephews, and many others close to him. His memory and wisdom will live on through all the stories his loved ones have of him and the lifelong lessons he gifted us all. "Do the right thing, and do it with a good attitude," he would say. He will be missed for generations.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mike's Celebration of Life at WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Drive in Gotha, Florida, on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Family visitation begins at 11:00 AM, public welcome at 12:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Brackley family.