Bernard Anthony "Tony" Brawley, 70, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life unexpectedly on Monday, November 29, 2021, at Putnam Community Medical Center. He was a native of Somerville, Massachusetts then moved to California to be close to his sons.  He's been a resident of Palatka since 2008.  Tony was a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Medic Specialist during the Vietnam era in the 173 ^rd Airborne Brigade, 82 ^nd Airborne Division. SP5 Brawley was honorably discharged who earned numerous medals, including the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Army Commendation, Bronze Star, and Good Conduct respectively.  After his tour of duty, he briefly resided in Valdosta, GA, before returning to Massachusetts to accept a bus driver's job with the Mass. Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in and around the Boston area.  Tony especially loved to drive in inclement weather: hurricanes, blizzards, etc. The "T" rarely stopped running for any reason.  Once during a major storm, Tony had to divert his route to avoid downed trees and debris and even dropped off a passenger at her house!  He truly loved his job.

During Tony's early years, he was baptized into the Catholic faith and subsequently affiliated himself with the Baptist faith. He enjoyed attending church services, fishing, playing pool, and spending time with the grandchildren.  He loved his sons, his grandchildren, his dogs "Coco" and "Cleo" and his cat, "Smokey."  Tony had a great sense of humor, was a loving father, and a wonderful partner.  His final years were a blessing, filled with happiness and love.

Tony was preceded in eternal rest by his father, Bernard Lewis Brawley; mothers, Egenia Vente  Brawley and Evelyn Radochia Brawley; brother, Charles Brawley; and sister, Judith Brawley.

He leaves to cherish his memories: loving partner, Rhoda Harris, Palatka; son, Bernard 'TJ' Brawley, Sacramento, CA; step-son, Warren (Tamara) Hawley, Woodland, CA; former spouses, Joyce Earle Brawley, Palatka; Marsha Sutton Smith, Sacramento, CA; brother, Paul (Jean) Brawley, Abita Springs, LA; step-family, Andre Hill and JR Cohens; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, Mason and Reagan Brawley, both of Folsom, CA; Austin Lightle, South Dakota; Amanda Hawley, Fairborn, OH; Jonathan Hawley, Clarkesville, TN; Nathan and Colton Hawley, both of Woodland, CA; Ashley Rohrs Hawley, Woodland, CA; Lucas Hawley, Clarkesville, TN; and Kayleigh Stacy, Fairborn, OH.

Visitation of family and friends will be 9-10 a.m.., Tuesday, December 7, with a Celebration of Life commencing at 10 a.m., at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Interment with military honors will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 8 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.