Rev. William B. Brawley of Yadkinville died Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem.

He was born in Burke County on Jan. 3, 1929; son of the late Reverend Samuel Jason and Bernice Cook Brawley.

Rev. Brawley served in the U.S. Air Force in Air Rescue. He was one of the first men to help build the first airstrip in the territory of Fairbanks, Alaska and in West Palm Beach, Fla.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church and his first church was Sugartown Baptist Church, started the Yadkin Baptist Mission Church, and he ministered at Redeemer Church in Iredell County and filled in locally in several churches.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Ruth Mathis Brawley, brother, Frank Brawley and four sisters, Louise Gunter, Edith Woody, Dorothy Cummings and Betty Agresta.

Rev. Brawley is survived by his wife; Edith Johnson Brawley; three sons, William “Buddy” Brawley (Robin) of Yadkinville, Randy Brawley (Becky Robertson) of Mocksville and Timothy Brawley of Yadkinville; two brothers Bobby and Jimmy Brawley, both of Yadkinville; four sisters, Pat Martin, Fannie Sizemore and Peggy Joyner, all of Yadkinville and Mildred Hoots of Winston-Salem; two grandchildren, Angela Poplin and Landon Brawley; a great grandson, Lucas Poplin.

A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, June 19, 2010, from Mackie-Sinclair Funeral Chapel with the Revs. Bobby Russell, Ronnie Milsap and Monroe Otto officiating. Burial followed in Sugartown Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolence may be made at www.mackiesinclairfuneral.com.

Reece