Final Salute

Bracey George Thibodeaux, born on May 29, 1947, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 78, at Lafayette General Hospital in Lafayette, La.

Bracey was born and raised in Lafayette. In 1966, he became a proud member of the United States Navy serving with the Construction Battalion “CB’s”, better known as the Navy Seabees. He honorably served two tours in the Vietnam War as a Seabee. Bracey helped with the building and tearing down naval runways, mechanic work, and building projects. Bracey was awarded the Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, National Defense Service Metal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

After his discharge from the Navy, he graduated in Nashville, Tennessee as a diesel mechanic. Bracey started working for Southern Pacific Railroad as a diesel mechanic. Southern Pacific Railroad later became Union Pacific Railroad, where he retired as the Diesel Shop Foreman after almost 38 years of service in 2007.

Bracey enjoyed the outdoors, camping, crawfish boils, time with his friends and family, hunting, and playing pool. In his down time, he would always find an old western movie or something good on the food channel. Bracey was a character. He loved joking around with his son-in-law. But above all, he loved his family deeply, especially his great granddaughter Malani.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia Bourg; their only child, Robin Thibodeaux Torkowski and her husband Stanley; his grandchildren, who called him “Dee”, Jacqueline Torkowski, Jenna Torkowski, Noah Torkowski (Amy), and Arthur Torkowski; one great-granddaughter, Malani Torkowski; his siblings, Madeline Hebert, Darline Thibodeaux, and Dempsey Thibodeaux (Elaine); along with his Godchildren, David Hebert and Amanda Benoit and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bracey was preceded in death by his parents, Dempsey Simon Thibodeaux and Mathilde LeBlanc Thibodeaux, and sister, Carol Ann Thibodeaux.

A private memorial service will be held for Bracey at later time.

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