LEWISTON – J. Earl Brackenbury Jr., 82, of 1205 Lisbon St., Lewiston, died at CMMC on Saturday, Dec. 4, following a long illness with his family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 22, 1922, the son of Joseph Earl Sr. and Esther Lucy (Cooper) Brackenbury.

He attended local schools and was a graduate of Edward Little High School class of 1941.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of sergeant with the 278th Ordinance Company. He served in World War II in the European Theatre in France earning the Good Conduct Medal and three Bronze Stars.

He was a bus driver for many years driving for Hudson Bus in the Lewiston/Auburn area. He also worked for Snow’s Tires in the retread shop.

His hobbies included painting and traveling throughout the state of Maine and New England. The highlight of his travels was to be able to visit his grandson’s homes in Los Angeles, Calif., and Long Island, N.Y.

He was an active member of the Sixth Street Congregational Church serving as a deacon, usher, and a member of the choir. He especially loved children and served as a volunteer at CMMC and Book Reach.

He is survived by a son, Bradford E. Brackenbury and his wife, Janis, of Augusta; a daughter, Brenda E. Bisson and her husband, Paul, of Auburn; two sisters, Eleanor J. Helwig and Dorothy A. Weeks, both of Auburn; two grandsons, Michael P. Bisson and his wife, Kim, of Dublin, Calif., and Timothy R. Bisson and his wife, Jennifer, of Northport, N.Y.; two great-grandchildren, Camille Madelyn Bisson of California, and Jack Logan Bisson of New York; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents.