Bramlett Fulman O’Steen, III left this earth on September 3, 2018 to be with his heavenly Father. Bram is survived by his wife of 42 years, Bonnie May O’Steen, his mother Bettye Daye O’Steen, sister, Pat O’Steen both of Tuscumbia; daughters, Emily O’Steen Brown and husband Luke of Florence, and Sara Beth O’Steen Wilcox and husband Sam of Birmingham. He leaves behind three grandchildren who loved their “Granddaddy” dearly; Ila Katherine “Kate” Brown, Turner Houston Brown, and Walter Bramlett Wilcox.
He is also survived by his niece Virginia Daye Winsett and her husband Brian and great niece Emma Daye Winsett. Bram was preceded in death by his father, B.F. O’Steen, Jr. “Bud”. Bram spent most of his young life growing up in Tuscumbia.
He went to Gilbert Elementary then graduated from Deshler High School in 1966 and from the University of Alabama in 1971. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. After completing college, Bram returned to the Shoals and joined his father at the family oil business.
He took pride in keeping the family business running and sustained its operation up until his death. Bram was an avid athlete. Over most of his adult life, he competed in numerous triathlons and marathons across the southeast.
He competed as the oldest participant in the Renaissance Man Triathlon in Florence and most recently completed the Rocketman Triathlon in Huntsville. Being active brought Bram joy and was a significant part of his life. Even after complications from a difficult surgery and a previous bike accident, he always bounced back.
Bram was devoted to his family. He taught his daughters the value of doing a job right, listening to others, and thinking before you speak. He instilled in them a work ethic like his own.
Bram taught his girls to waterski, drive a boat, play tennis, basketball, and snow ski. In recent years, he enjoyed working alongside his grandchildren in the yard and in his garage shop. Bram was a teacher and always looking to help others learn.
Bram had challenges that he refused to let set him back. He suffered from a hearing loss that became progressively worse as he grew older. Communication for him was often difficult but the world of email and texting opened a wonderful avenue for him to stay in touch with others.
Bram had a dry wit that could always produce a chuckle from close friends and family. He often spoke to his family about the importance of a strong character. He was never one to brag or even share much but we would always hear of ways he was helping others, just never through him.
We will miss him dearly but rejoice he is finally healed. Visitation will be Friday, September 7, 2018 from 12-2 p.m. in the Atrium of the First United Methodist Church, Florence. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev.
Dale Cohen officiating. A private family burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will include: Graham Heard, Mark Heard, Harold Hudson, John Hudson, Josh Taylor, and Mark Taylor.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Gargis, Benny Goodwin, Tommy Heard, David Howard, Olin Mefford, Hughes Webb, and Jim Willis. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Children’s Home, or the YMCA of the Shoals. The family is grateful for the love and support that’s been shown during this difficult time.
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