Marcus Anthony Braziel

One of my fondest memories of Marc is from our annual family camping trip. Every summer, we'd pack up the car and head out to the mountains for a week of hiking, fishing, and quality time together. One year, we decided to try a new campsite that was a bit more remote than usual. As we were setting up our tent, a sudden downpour started, soaking everything in sight. I remember feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, but Marc, ever the optimist, just started laughing. He grabbed my hand, pulled me into the rain, and we danced together under the pouring sky, completely carefree. In that moment, all the stress and worries of daily life melted away. It was just us, lost in each other's arms, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. That's how I'll always remember Marc – as someone who could find joy in any situation, and who made every moment feel like an adventure. His love and laughter were the heart and soul of our family, and his memory will continue to light our way, always.

One of my favorite memories with Marc was from a summer afternoon at the baseball field. It wasn't just any game; it was the championship, and Marc's little league team was down by one run in the bottom of the last inning. The tension was palpable as the young batter stepped up to the plate, and Marc, with his calm and encouraging demeanor, gave him a nod of confidence. With two outs, the kid hit a line drive into left field, scoring the tying run. The crowd erupted, and Marc's face lit up with pride. But what I remember most was after the game, as the team celebrated their victory, Marc gathered them around and reminded them that winning wasn't everything. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and giving their best effort, regardless of the outcome. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated Marc's character – a dedicated coach, a mentor, and a man who genuinely cared about the growth and well-being of the young people in his community.