William Brisson

William Thomas “Tommy” Brisson, 82, of Dublin went to his eternal home on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Lee Beard Brisson, his parents, Lester Brisson and Mary Ann Hester Brisson, one sister, Pinky Hester, and one brother, Tim Brisson.  Tommy is survived by one son, Thomas Brisson of the home, one daughter, Pam B. Taylor (Greg) of Dublin, one brother, Louis Brisson of Dublin, one brother-in-law Lloyd Hester of Ocean Isle Beach, one sister, Betty Skinner of White Lake, three grandchildren, Justin Taylor (Sarah Ann) of Raleigh, Derek Taylor (Mindy) also of Raleigh, and Nicholas Taylor of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Brisson Taylor, Miller Taylor, Anderson Taylor, and Charlie Taylor.

Tommy will always be remembered as a gentle and thoughtful man who demonstrated unfailing loyalty to his family and friends. The love of his life, spouse, and best friend preceded him in death, but the love Tommy and Emma Lee shared fostered a beautiful family. He loved his wife and his children, was a father figure to two of his nephews, and was especially proud of his grandsons. Tommy also had four great grandsons who he adored.

A hard worker, Tommy was rarely idle. Even into his older age he worked at Brisson’s Cottages (of which he was part owner) taking care of odds and ends. He was the Tool Supervisor at a plant for many years and worked several other jobs throughout his life. Those close to him admired his work ethic, and moreso, the way he was never too busy to lend a helping hand.

A lover of sports, Tommy played football in high school, and took up golf as an adult. He passed his love of sports on to his grandsons, particularly through golf. He would cut down old golf clubs and let his grandchildren hit balls around his yard and into the fields that surrounded his home. He even once planted golf course grass in his yard, which he mowed closely so his grandsons could use it as a putting green.

An adventurous spirit, Tommy always loved new experiences. At 81, he took his first ever trip on a plane; he flew across the United States to visit his grandson in Seattle. During that trip he tried every new food his grandchildren wanted to introduce to him; continually pushing himself outside of his comfort zone. His favorite part of the trip was visiting Mt. Rainier National Park; he hiked with his grandchildren and kept up with them every step of the way. He was always smiling as he passed waterfalls, vistas, and fir trees that were, as he put it, “bigger than he’d ever seen”.

Tommy was a calm, loving, and humble man. In a room full of people he would seldom say a word, and although he was often quiet, he said the most in what he didn’t say. Tommy Brisson has left a mark on this world through those he loved and those who loved him. He will be dearly missed, but we are blessed to have called him Father, Grandaddy, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. We love him very much.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 27th at 3 pm at the Dublin First Baptist Church with Pastor Jason Lee and Pastor Tommy Knight officiating. Burial will be in the Allen Cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends at the home of Greg and Pam Taylor.