MR. TRUITT D. BREAZEALE

Graveside services for Mr. Truitt D. Breazeale will be held at 12 PM Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at MS Veterans Cemetery in Newton, MS. John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services in charge. Truitt Dewane Breazeale was born on September 11, 1940. At age 80, and due to complications related to COVID-19, he died on January 20, 2021. Truitt had a myriad of names that described him so well: “Colonel Breazeale, Sergeant Major Breazeale, Daddy, and Papa” just to name a few. Truitt was a true-bloodied American who was universally known for his service to others and his bedrock integrity. In his famous military manner, he showed love for others by unwavering and selfless service to all. He adored his family. Truitt is survived by his wife, Vonnell Burks Breazeale. They married on August 18, 1960 and had three children: Christopher Dewayne (Starla Austin) of Vicksburg, MS, Dr. Gwendolyn Vonita Breazeale Alexander (Tony) of Columbus, GA, and Jeffery Allen (Pamela Waggoner) of Rogers, AR. Truitt had seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. He also considered his JROTC students to be his very own – as well as the numerous foreign exchange students that he and Vonnell hosted in their home. Truitt also leaves two younger brothers - Paul and Sherrell. It is an understatement to say that his brothers always looked up to Truitt. Together, the three boys grew up poor, often sleeping in the same bed. Over the years, they have remained closely knit. In 1959, Truitt graduated from Neshoba Central in its first graduating class. He received his college degree from Columbus College. He was a Sunday School teacher at Old Pearl Valley Baptist Church. He was a believer in Jesus Christ - loaded with faith. Truitt was a soldier to the very bone. He began his military career on July 13, 1959. In total, he served 54 years - 32 years of active duty and 22 years teaching high-school Army JROTC. His service included tours at Forts Benning, Jackson, Riley, Bragg and Greely. He had three tours in Korea, two tours in Vietnam and a short time in Germany. Truitt was an Infantry Company Commander in Vietnam. He was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism. He was Airborne. After Vietnam, the Reduction in Force (RIF) forced Truitt from his rank of Captain to that of Staff Sergeant. The army, however, allowed Truitt to keep his commission for the purpose of retirement. So, on the day of his retirement, his Sergeant Major stripes became the silver oakleaves of a Lieutenant Colonel. Early in his career, Truitt marched in the Inaugural Parade for President John F. Kennedy. The Army was his life. He served with magnificent bearing. In their home, Truitt and Vonnell were continually hosting exchange students from all over the world. As a couple they were like roving ambassadors for our great country. In short, they permanently changed the lives of so many. In teaching high school JROTC, Truitt served children of every background imaginable. One of his students earned an appointment to West Point. She now calls him “Papa.” Soon, she will be a medical doctor. Truitt was a big supporter of every single one of his students. He loved all of them. At the time of his death, Truitt was President of the Mississippi Military Order of the Purple Heart – a position in which he served for seven years. Although he jumped out of planes as a paratrooper, he preferred taking long car trips instead of flying – a practice that drove his family crazy. There are tons of stories of how Truitt reached out to help others. One day he flew his JROTC students to Chicago on a military airplane. The JROTC program in Meridian flourished under his leadership. To this day he remains a legend there. Truitt loved America. He wrote, “I love this country. We are not perfect, but this is the most perfect country that I have ever seen - and I have been in many.” His passing leaves a big void in so many lives. Truitt did so much for so many. It is hard to accept the fact that he is now gone. He lived with no regrets. He once said, “I would do it all again.” Truly, he was “bigger than life.” Truitt’s wishes were to be buried in the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Newton -alongside his fellow soldiers. You may honor Truitt’s life with contributions to the Mississippi Baptist Foundation or Military Order of the Purple Heart, care of Edward Buckman, PO Box 229, Carthage, MS 39051. Truitt also loved flowers or many other wonderful service organizations that you may choose. Thank you so much for your prayers. They sustained him. Also, our family will be forever grateful for Truitt’s amazing caregivers while he was hospitalized. We love them so much.

MR. TRUITT D. BREAZEALE

September 11, 1940 - January 20, 2021