Thomas Mitchell Brackney

Thomas Mitchell Brackney passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, in Yreka, California. He was 88 years old. Tom was born on January 28, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio, to Carlton and Hattie Brackney. Carlton’s work as an accountant for the US Air Force brought the family to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1944. Tom graduated from high school in San Leandro in 1956, and he also attended San Francisco State University. He later earned his Bachelor’s degree in public relations from Chico State University. It was in San Leandro that he met and married his first wife, Diane Taves, in 1959. In 1957, Tom worked briefly as an intern at KSYC in Yreka, and the internship led a full-time position at the radio station in the early 1960s. He was later lured back to the Bay Area by a job offer from JC Penney, and he worked at their stores in Napa and Concord before returning to KSYC in 1970. Upon his return to Yreka, Tom met his second wife, Joyce Little, and they married in 1975. Tom later became the manager of the Yreka Chamber of Commerce, serving in that role until 1981. He then founded his own advertising and public relations business, Thomas Brackney Associates, which he operated through the mid-1980s. Following another calling, Tom then attended seminary and became an ordained United Methodist minister. He faithfully served congregations in Montague, Gazelle, Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, and Fall River Mills until his retirement almost 20 years ago. Tom was deeply involved in our community. He was a member of the Yreka Jaycees, Yreka Rotary, Siskiyou Habitat for Humanity, and other civic organizations. He was known for his thoughtful nature, quick wit, and his spirit of service. He loved puns and a good ghost story. Tom was proud of his children, wherever their paths in life led them. Tom is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Joyce Brackney, as well as his children and their spouses, Kevin and Megan Brackney of Yellow Springs, Ohio; Colin and Kathleen Brackney of Montague, California; Nathan and Dawnya Brackney of Talent, Oregon; Ehren and Krista Brackney of Shasta Lake, California; Peter Brackney of Yreka, California; and Katie and Derrick Hansing of Chico, California. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Hattie Brackney. He also had a brother, Carlton, Jr., who passed away at the age of 6 before Tom was born. A small family gathering was held to celebrate Tom’s life. No public service is planned.

Thomas Mitchell Brackney

January 28, 1938 - May 7, 2026