George Reynolds “Rennie” Brabner III, born in Mobile, Alabama on June 16, 1947, passed away on April 8, 2020. Rennie was a 1965 graduate of McGill Institute and alumni of the University of Alabama. He was an active parishioner for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Basilica, serving as lector and, along with his wife, wedding coordinator since 2009. Rennie and his wife of 41 years, were longtime residents of the DeTonti Square Historic District, where they raised their two children. He was an active member of a large, non-parading Mobile Mardi Gras Organization for the last 34 years. Rennie worked in local broadcasting for over 50 years, which began during high school when he served as editor for the school newspaper, The McGillian”. His local media footprint included work as a reporter and anchorman at WALA TV, and in news, management and sales at radio stations 95KSJ, WNTM 710, and FM Talk 106.5. He served in a variety of civic capacities, which included president of the Mobile Historical Development Commission, member of Downtown Merchants Association, Main Street Mobile, Restore Mobile, and served as president of the DeTonti Square Historic Neighborhood Association.
Rennie was preceded in death by his parents George Reynolds (Christine) Brabner II, his brother Ernest “Ernie” Maygarden Brabner and his granddaughter Hartley Louise Brabner. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Sassaman) Brabner; his two children, Laura Brabner (Clayton) Ratledge and George Reynolds (Lindsey) Brabner IV; his sister, Christine “Tina” (Michael) Roberts; his grandchildren, Emma Grace Brabner, Holden Reynolds Brabner, Harper Ann Brabner, Camille Ann Ratledge, Audrey Michelle Ratledge, and Hollis Rene Brabner; his nieces and nephew, Rebecca “Becky”(Thomas Bruce III) Bedsole, James Alexander Roberts and Sarah Katherine Roberts, along with many cousins.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a private graveside service will be held on April 24, 2020, at Mobile Memorial Gardens at 10:00 a.m.
Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home has graciously made arrangements for the family to set up a “Waving Wake", beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020, until 10:00 a.m. in the west portico of the funeral home. In order to comply with CDC guidelines, along with state and city declarations, issued by the governor and the mayor, we ask that you remain in your cars and proceed in a line to pay your respects, only pausing for a moment. The family and funeral home appreciate your cooperation on this matter.
A memorial Mass and reception will be held at a later date, after the Archdiocese of Mobile is allowed to resume public.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rennie Brabner Memorial Fundraiser for the Bridge Program at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Please see the links below to both charities.
1947-2020
