THE LEGENDARY WILLIE C. BRACEY, a native of Denmark, South Carolina traded these earthly shores to fish on heaven's shores at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at his residence in Denmark, South Carolina, after fighting a short but courageous battle of sickness. We are grateful to God for his life, and the time he shared with us. Our lives have all been touched because of his selfless ways and generous spirit. God in his infinite wisdom granted him with eighty-seven blessed years of life, and he lived it fulfilling God's promises, to the benefit of his family and children, and as a friend who went above all measures to help anyone in need.

Willie Clayton was born on Monday, May 24, 1937 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was one of four children born from the beloved union of the late Lawerence Larry Bracey, Sr. and the late Floria Dell Staley Bracey. He gave his life to Christ at the age of twelve and became a faithful member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in the Lees Community of Blackville, South Carolina. His faithfulness included serving as a lead vocalist and vice president of the Mt. Zion Male Chorus. After the passing of Deacon Aquila Miller, Sr., Bro. Bracey served as president until his health began to decline. Willie's family has been a part of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for generations.

Willie C's education was provided by teachers and mentors of various schools around the world. He attended Grammar School in Germany while his father served in the United States Army and graduated from Voorhees High School and Junior College in Denmark, South Carolina in 1958.

Bro. Willie C. Bracey was a former lead vocalist of one of Brooklyn, New York's finest Rock and Roll groups, "THE SHELLS" with such hits as "Baby Oh Baby", "What's in An Angels Eye", "Baby walk on in" and "Sweetest One". He also sang gospel with Mr. Jeff Lane, Eddie Kendrick, The Staples Singers, Wilson Pickett, The Canaries of Brooklyn, NY, The Word Singers of Brooklyn, NY, and The Brooklyn Allstars, where he worked as a former lead vocalist.

Bro. Willie C. Bracey, having a love for music, started his own quartet group in the early seventies-Bro. Bracey and The Original Zionaires. He wrote and produced his own songs. Two of his most notable CD's are "Willie C. Bracey - Eyes on The Sky" and "Bro. Bracey & The Original Zionaries - The Old Man and Old Lady on the Road to the Nursing Home". The group appeared many times on WJBF TV Channel 6 Parade of Quartet show. In November of 2004, Bro. Bracey and The Original Zionaires were selected to receive the Golden Drum Award for their dedication to the Parade of Quartets. Over the years as the group faded, Bro. Bracey continued to do solo concerts and write music.

Bro. Bracey was employed for many years at various places. He worked as a Stock Manager at JCPenney, Inc., Wells Fargo Security Service, Smoaks Security Service, Securitas Security Service, and Archroma, Inc. in Martin, South Carolina, just to name a few. During his earlier years he ran the following clubs/juke joints: The Big Apple, The Savoy, The Boogooloo and The Big Valley. In 2008, he served as the Phone Bank Director for the Obama Campaign for the State of South Carolina. Willie C. had a love for cooking which led him to open, own, and operate the former Bracey Bakery & Rib Shop in Denmark, South Carolina.

Willie Clayton Bracey met the love of his life, Carolyn Donaldson. After sharing many years of courting, the couple was united in Holy Matrimony. They shared marital bliss for over 30 plus years. This beloved union was blessed with 3 children: Tyrone, Alvin, and LaTonya.

Anyone who knew Willie C., knew he was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers and Clemson Tigers fan. He loved fishing, cooking, and working in his yards. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children, grands & great-grandchildren.

Although Willie C. Bracey impacted the lives of many and we love him so dear, it's time that he traveled alone. He is now praising, singing, and dancing with Jesus. He is an eternal member of the Heavenly Choir where his powerful voice rings out as he sings some of his favorite songs. The voice we loved is stilled, but the memories and songs shall play in our minds and in our hearts FOREVER!

Willie Clayton Bracey was preceded in death and is now resting with his beloved parents: Lawrence and Floria Dell Bracey; one son: Tyrone Donaldson, Sr.; one daughter-in-law: Sherell B. Donaldson; one granddaughter: Royalty A. Thompson; two sisters: Shirley Bracey Bellamy and Mary Alice Bracey Miles; and one brother: Lawrence L. Bracey, Jr.

His strong legacy of faith, family and friends will remain embedded in the hearts of: his loving and devoted wife: Carolyn Donaldson Bracey of Blackville, South Carolina; (4) daughters: LaTonya B. Thompson (Martin, Sr.) of Blackville, South Carolina, Sheryl Jones of Savannah, Georgia, Rhonda Bracey of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Charisse Bracey; (2) sons: Alvin Donaldson, Sr. of Blackville, South Carolina and Otis Brown, Sr. of Virginia; (18) grandchildren; (19) great-grandchildren; (1) sister-in-law: Willie Mae Donaldson of Blackville, South Carolina; (3) brothers-in-law: Jesse Bellamy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jimmie Donaldson and Goldie Donaldson both of Blackville, South Carolina; a special nephew and niece who dedicated their love, time, and support: Lance and Jennifer Bracey of Denmark, South Carolina; his caregiver, Barbara Wallace of Denmark, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.