William Brailsford

William H. Brailsford, our loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather returned to his Heavenly Home to be reunited with his wife in the early morning of January 9, 2024 at the age of 91.

Bill was born on November 18, 1932 at his home in Springville, Utah to Bert and Augusta Hill Brailsford. He is the fourth of six children. He attended schools in Springville, after graduating from Springville High School he served in the Army for two years during the Korean War, 18 months of his active duty was spent in Germany.

Bill was introduced to his sweetheart “Ellie” by her brother at her home in Payson, UT. They were both celebrating their birthdays which are 1 day apart. After courting they were engaged, but Bill had to leave for two long years to serve in the Army. Upon his return they chose to be married in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 19, 1955. After living in Tooele for a year, they decided to move closer to family, choosing American Fork to be their home. In 2002 he lost the love of his life and longed for the day they could be together again forever.

Our Father was a humble, gentle and kind man. He was a friend to all he came in contact with and a great example of service to anyone in need. But he was happiest when he was serving his family, friends, and neighbors. He was a master gardener and loved sharing his harvest with others. He was a mechanic and a carpenter and was found many times lending a hand to those building or remodeling their homes. Our dad could fix anything, and luckily he was just a phone call away.

Bill had many hobbies. He loved hunting, camping, fishing, hiking and taking the 5th graders to Clear Creek each summer where he could camp and fish. One of his favorite things to do was watching his grandchildren play sports, and attending their dance or theater performances. He was a big American Fork Caveman fan and True Blue BYU fan. He could be seen at many sporting events.

Dad worked at Tooele Army Depot for 38 years. He was a hard worker, and spent most of his life working two jobs. He worked evenings at Reams Grocery Store for 20 years in management positions. He loved it when each of his children turned 16 so we could work along with him and spend more time together. After retiring from Tooele Army Depot he started driving a bus for Alpine School District. He drove the bus for 23 years until he turned 79 years old. He loved the children and remembered most of their names. He even drove a few of his grandchildren to school, and that was an extra treat.

Bill was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many positions. As a young father he was called to be a Stake Missionary. He loved going to meet people in the stake and sharing his testimony with them. One of his favorite ways to serve was going up American Fork Canyon to share the Book of Mormon with those who were camping. The Temple was important to him and he was called to serve for 10 years in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. He was a faithful Home Teacher/Ministering Brother watching over many families at a time. Bill also loved and appreciated his in-laws, and was grateful to be a part of the yearly ‘Degraw Family Reunion’ held in Payson Utah. He always looked forward to and loved the visits from all of his 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild. He recognized and knew each of them by name!

Bill is preceded in death by his wife Ellie, his parents, Bert and Augusta, three of his siblings; Orval Brailsford, Lila Davies, Vea Mae Neal, and twin great grandsons. He is survived by his children; Bill (Susan) Brailsford, Linda Robbins (Curtis), Karen Brailsford, David (Shelly) Brailsford, and his siblings Elsie Aston and Jim Brailsford.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 12:00 noon in the American Fork Seventeenth Ward, 240 South Center Street, American Fork. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 10:00 – 11:30 am prior to the services. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.