1982-1986

Brackeen Wears Many Hats

P.s.

There always has to be a beginning for someone of Denver Brackeen's outstanding accomplish– ments. In his case it was Hickory. He was born and raised in this warm little town. His father was the late W.M. Brackeen and his mother is Mrs. Vera Brackeen. They, like all parents, loved their children and understood Denvers dream of the future. While he attended Hickory he made the "All State" team for two years in Basketball. He not only choose E.C.J.C. because it was near his home but because ·he felt the College of his Choice could better prepare him for a Senior College. Denver felt if he was going to make it he could do so at a smaller college and time proved him to be right. At E.C.J.C. he made the Jr. College "All Star" team in 1949-1950, but was called to active duty in Korea in · 1951, his sophomore year. He found himself playing basketball for the 31st Division of the Army, making the all 3rd Army team and was selected "Most Valuable Player." Also he was selected to the All Army team. In 1952, he was to return to E.C.J.C. where he averaged 32 points per game, this being the greatest year the school had ever had. They won the State Junior College Basketball Championship and (you guessed it) Denver was added to the All State Junior College team. East Central played and won the Regional Tournament causing them to play in the National Junior College Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. They were to finish fourth in the entire nation. It was here that, . . " he scored 53 points tn one game! and again he was to be the Most ; Valuable Player in the nation. Also he was selected to the Junior College All American team. After graduating he was ap– proached by over 100 colleges but because he was a true Mississip– pian he .wanted to attend a college in his home state. He liked "Ole Miss" from the very beginning .and

decided to cast his lot with them and has never been sorry of his decision. He was chosen for the All Southeastern Conference team his Junior and Senior year and was also Most Valuable Player in the Southeastern Conference his Senior year and was selected on the All American team, and by Look as the Most Valuable Basketball Player in Nine Southern States. Denver was drafted by New Yor Kinckerbockers in 1955. He return– ed to E.C.J.C. as Basketball Coach in late 1955. He coached for seven years and had a record of 135 wins and 52 loses. He holds the rank of General in the Mississippi Army National Guard, a veteran of 30 years Military Service, has serve as Commander of Service Battery of the 4th Battalion, 114th F.A. at Decatur and as Battalion Com– mander of the 4th Battalion, 114th F.A. at Newton. He was honored for his outstanding work and received the Mississippi Commendation Medal, The Mississippi Magnolia Cross and the Army Commendation Medal. One of the high lights for Denver was in 1982 when he received "Alumnus of the Year" by the E.C.J.C. Alumni. He was honored at Homecoming. A reception was held in his honor. After being recognized at half time, and after the game an "Open House" was held in his honor. Denver is married to the former Charlotte Wells of Union. They have two sons, Morgan of Eupora and Charlie of Union. Decatur is proud to claim (along with Hickory) such an outstanding citizen. Denver now serves as Assistant Adjutant General for the State of Mississippi.

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