William Jackson Braswell, 67, of Lumberton, died Monday, December 11, 2017, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center following a short illness.

Jack, who was known as "Rattlesnake" as a child growing up in Lumberton, was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Clara Braswell; and an older brother, Bobby.

He is survived by an older brother, Jimmy Braswell and his wife Ann, of Pawley's Island; two nephews, Chris Braswell of Atlanta, Georgia, and Rob Braswell of Raleigh, North Carolina; and two nieces, Felicia Finizo of Orlando, Florida, and Belinda Hodges of Oxford, Michigan.

Jack served in the Army and saw action during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded three times, earning three Purple Hearts. He was a strong supporter following the war of veterans organizations.

Jack, who was known for having a large heart, traveled the world, making friends easily wherever he went. He was a colorful figure and always the life of the party. He spent most of his life living between Lumberton and Wilmington, but also was an island-hopper, spending time in Jamaica, Cuba, Costa Rica and Fort Myers.

He spent his life doing things that most people dream of doing.

Jack will be cremated and his ashes scattered at places that he lived at and loved throughout his life.

There will be a memorial service at Floyd's Mortuary and Crematory Inc. at 809 E. Fifth St., Lumberton, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. A visitation will precede it at 2 p.m. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Herbert Lowry, and music provided Jack's longtime friend, John Hodges.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to The Empty Stocking Fund at The Robesonian. They can be mailed to the Empty Stocking Fund, 2175 Roberts Ave., Lumberton, 28358.