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BRYSON CITY—Pastor Kenneth Dean Braswell, 60, of Bryson City, N.C., was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. 

He was born to the late Lewis Justine Braswell and Minnie Irene Braswell on September 19, 1963, in Reidsville, N.C. 

Kenneth was one of 7 children born to the Braswells. Kenneth met the love of his life, Renee Lynn Orr in Tryon, N.C. On December 28, 1982, he married Renee, whom he affectionately called “Nee.” To this union, they were blessed with a son, Brent Allen Braswell.  

Kenneth was an evangelist for 22 years. He spent 12 years as a pastor for our Lord Jesus Christ. For the past 6 years, he had the honor and privilege of being the pastor at Alarka Church of God in Bryson City, N.C. His passion was taking care of the congregation and visiting members who were sick and shut in. He loved to travel. His favorite places to travel were to his hometown of Reidsville, N.C., where he never missed an opportunity to grab a Pete’s Burger and Saint Augustine, Fla. He was well known for his kindness, sense of humor, and his faithfulness to the Lord. He never met a stranger.

Kenneth leaves a long legacy of love and tons of joyful memories to his beloved family which includes his loving wife of 41 years, Renee Orr Braswell of the home; his beloved son, Brent Allen Braswell (Sharon) of Kernersville, N.C.; his siblings, Vanessa Reddish (Tommy) of Concord, N.C.; Floyd Braswell (Biddie) of Bakersville, N.C.; Wayne Braswell (Bonnie) of Burnsville, N.C.; Martha Braswell of Bryson City, N.C.; Sharon Braswell of Bryson City, N.C.; Wanda Cooper (Ricky) of Burnsville, N.C.; mother in law, Beverly Orr of Tryon, NC; sister in law, Ayvonne Pierce-Brittain of Landrum, SC; brother in law, Bill Orr of Bakersville, N.C.; a large host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; his pet dogs, known as The Ponderosa, Prancer, Rufus, Diamond, and Pup Pup and his “grandcats,” known as his Loves, Bella, Bubby, and Emma “Mary Grace.”

The family would like to thank the STICU Medical Team at Mission Hospital. You should be very proud of your staff of doctors, nurses and volunteers who make such difficult times a little easier through your kindness and compassion. You went beyond what anyone could ever ask. Our family thanks you and will keep your wonderful staff in our hearts and prayers.

John 14:1-3

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

The family will receive friends Monday, May 6, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm at the McFarland Funeral Chapel.

A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel with Reverend Carl Fosdick officiating. Speakers will be Bill Coble and Marty Pressley. 

Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbus, NC.

An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel and Crematory
Tryon, NC