Brantley Gabriel

August 10, 1938 - January 3, 2020

FORT MEADE - Mr. James Brantley Gabriel, 81, passed away at his home in Fort Meade, FL on Friday, January 3, 2020. Mr. Gabriel was born on August 10, 1938 and was a lifelong resident of Fort Meade. He graduated Fort Meade High School in 1956, and then went on and attended Little Emory University and was a U.S. Army Veteran. Mr. Gabriel was a retired citrus grower, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Meade, and worked for many years with the Polk County School Board. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garnett Brantley Gabriel and Norma Underhill Gabriel, and brother-in-law, Donald L. Marchman. Mr. Gabriel is survived by his two loving sisters, Judy Gabriel Marchman, Fort Meade, FL, along with Joan Gabriel Daniels and husband Lamar, Winter Haven, FL.; niece, Elisabeth Marchman Wilkin; nephew, Stephen Marchman; both of Fort Meade; and great-nephew, Tyler Gabriel Whealton, Lakeland, FL. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., from the graveside in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Meade with Pastor Kenny Slay officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make donations to: Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823 or to The Fort Meade Historical Society & Museum, P.O. Box 1021, Fort Meade, FL 33841. Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL. 863-285-8171