Cement City Resident Lawrence Lee Bracey Passes Away at 79

Bracey was a Vietnam War veteran, longtime truck driver, and dedicated family man known for his generosity and love of the outdoors.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A serene, out-of-focus photograph of an elderly man's hands gently tending to his garden, the surrounding foliage and sunlight creating a warm, nostalgic mood that evokes the life of a longtime community member.The passing of Lawrence Bracey marks the end of an era for the close-knit Cement City community he called home for nearly eight decades.Jackson Today

Lawrence Lee 'Larry' Bracey, a 79-year-old resident of Cement City, Michigan, passed away at his home on March 30, 2026. Bracey was a Vietnam War veteran who received the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action, a longtime truck driver, and a devoted family man known for his passion for hunting, fishing, gardening, and sharing his bounty with others.

Why it matters

Bracey's life story reflects the experiences of many Midwest veterans and working-class families who found purpose, community, and joy in outdoor pursuits and supporting their loved ones. His legacy of service, hard work, and generosity resonates with the values of the Cement City region.

The details

After graduating from Jackson High School in 1964, Bracey attended Michigan State University's Institute of Agricultural Technology. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and served two tours in Vietnam, where his bravery was recognized with the Silver Star. Upon returning home, Bracey married his wife Linda in 1969, and they shared 57 years together on the family farm. Bracey worked as a truck driver and retired from OmniSource in Jackson. In his free time, he found joy in hunting, fishing, gardening, and sharing his harvests with family, friends, and local seniors.

  • Bracey was born on February 20, 1947, in Jackson, Michigan.
  • He graduated from Jackson High School in 1964.
  • Bracey was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and served two tours in Vietnam.
  • Bracey married Linda Galvin at the Alumni Chapel at MSU just after Valentine's Day in 1969.
  • Bracey passed away at his home in Cement City, Michigan, on March 30, 2026.

The players

Lawrence Lee 'Larry' Bracey

A 79-year-old resident of Cement City, Michigan, who was a Vietnam War veteran, longtime truck driver, and devoted family man known for his passion for hunting, fishing, gardening, and sharing his bounty with others.

Linda Bracey

Lawrence Bracey's wife of 57 years, with whom he shared a life on the family farm.

Edward and Matie (Hales) Bracey

Lawrence Bracey's parents, who raised him in Jackson, Michigan.

David Bracey

Lawrence Bracey's brother.

Linda (Dave Bolton) Hall

Lawrence Bracey's sister.

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What they’re saying

“Larry was a devoted family man who found great joy in the outdoors and sharing his abundance with others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

— Linda Bracey, Widow

What’s next

The family will receive friends for visitation at Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Addison on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Somerset Congregational Church on Friday, April 3, 2026, beginning at 4:00 pm with Pastor Lucas Miller officiating.

The takeaway

Bracey's life exemplified the values of hard work, community, and generosity that are deeply rooted in the Midwest. His legacy as a veteran, family man, and outdoorsman will continue to inspire those who knew him in Cement City and the surrounding region.