William Brathwaite Jr

William Woodrow Brathwaite, Jr. was born August 8, 1949 to Clyne Vilma Brathwaite and William W. Brathwaite, Sr., in Brooklyn, New York. William confessed Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior at an early age. While growing up in Brooklyn, he was a member of St. Leonard’s Church and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. He came to be known as “Woody” by those who love him and knew him best. William went on to attend the University of Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He worked as an Engineering Manager for twenty-two years with Ameritech in Columbus, Ohio, and later retired from the City of Columbus, where he worked as a Building Plans Examiner for twenty years. A resident of Gahanna, Ohio, William attended Union Grove Baptist Church in his later years. He was a devoted husband and father who loved sports, music (especially jazz), and travel. Additionally, he actively worked in the community and charitable organizations. William’s smile and grace-filled personality blessed everyone he touched. On January 6, 2017, at the age of 67, William was called home to be with the Lord. His mother preceded him in death. Those who remain to cherish memories of William include his wife of 43 years, Debra Brathwaite; children Stefanie (Anthony) Garcia of Blacklick, Ohio, and David Brathwaite of the residence; father William W. Brathwaite, Sr. of Brooklyn; siblings Patricia Brathwaite and Scott Brathwaite, both of Brooklyn; grandchildren Alana and Gabriella Garcia of Blacklick; and a host of other family and friends.