Mitchell Dean Bramel, 61, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 28 th . He is survived by
his wife Sandy of 35 years, his three daughters (Stacy, Mallory & Kellcy), one son-in-law (Philip), and the
joy of his life: his three grandkids (Nathan, Bethany, & Micah) as well as many other relatives who he
loved dearly.
Mitch was born in Indianapolis, IN on June 5, 1962 to mother Dorothy and father Lloyd. When his father
passed in 1972, Dorothy, Mitch, and his brother Phil moved down to Lake City, Florida to be closer to his
Uncle Leroy, Aunt Pat, and cousins. Mitch grew up with an incredibly strong, loving, and devoted mother
and was surrounded by many male mentors. Some of the fondest of these came from the men who
surrounded him while played football at Columbia High School in Lake City. He went on to graduate
from Lake City Community College where he met Sandy. They graduated from the University of Central
Florida together. After graduation, Mitch began working at State Farm (and he never actually quit).
Mitch and Sandy dated for 5 years and were married in 1988, starting their lives together in Daytona, FL.
In 1993 they had their first daughter, Stacy Victoria. Three years later, they moved to Winter Haven, FL
for seven years. During that time, they had their second (1998) and third (2004) daughters, Mallory Joy
and Kellcy Noel. In the summer of 2004, Mitch, Sandy, and the girls moved to Milton, Florida where they
lived for the next 18 years.
In Milton, Mitch not only raised his three daughters and fostered his relationship with Sandy, but he also
built a strong presence in the community. He loved sports and watching his daughters or any of the
Milton High School Panthers excel in them. Mitch was happy to serve as a coach, a concession stand
volunteer, or a fundraiser extraordinaire. Mitch loved his church community in Milton deeply. He served
as an ordained deacon and Gideon for many years. He volunteered countless hours at First Baptist
Church of Milton's youth group by teaching weekly Bible studies, serving on mission trips, and being a
friendly face on Wednesday nights. For over 30 years, he served as a mentor with the Take Stock in
Children program where he met weekly with high-risk, high-potential youth. And he took pride in being
a consistent blood donor with the free shirts, blankets, and cups to prove it.
No matter if it was spending time on the boat, going to the beach, or swimming in the pool, Mitch's
happy place was the water. He and Sandy were excited to start their next chapter close to Ponce Inlet
when they returned here almost 2 years ago. They enjoyed life to the fullest doing everything together
including getting involved with First Baptist Daytona Beach. They have a wonderful Life Group that has
surrounded them with love and friendship. Mitch also was eager to continue to mentor the next
generation so he began volunteering on Wednesday nights with the youth group. He got there early to
set up and welcome students in, taking the time to get to know them and their interests. At the top of
his list though was ensuring there was still time to visit their grandkids in Gainesville. The grandkids
were Mitch's greatest joy. He found any excuse to make the two-hour drive up to Gainesville and video-
called them multiple times a day when he wasn't there. They love their Papa.
We are all better for knowing Mitch. He was somehow the kindest, most devoted, and Christ-like person
we all have met. We take comfort that we will see him again one day in heaven. What a day of rejoicing
that will be!