Raymond Hess

Brocato Sr

Raymond Hess Brocato, Sr., 80, was born in Houston, Texas. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Mississippi, where he was raised and spent his formative years. Mississippi would remain an important part of his life, shaping his education, career, and lifelong friendships.

Raymond was the son of the late Van Antone Brocato and Evelyn Hess Brocato. He attended St. Joseph Catholic High School in Jackson, Mississippi, where he met the love of his life, Cecile. Their story began in ninth grade, when they became high school sweethearts. What started as young love grew into 59 years of marriage, a lifetime of shared adventures, and a family that became the center of their world.

Raymond continued his education at the University of Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, and later earned his Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College. A lifelong and devoted Ole Miss Rebels fan, he took tremendous pride in his university. He and Cecile, also an alum, put all four children through college at Ole Miss.

Following in the footsteps of his father, who founded Mississippi Bearings, Inc., Raymond began working at the business while still in high school. He eventually purchased the business from his father and took over its ownership and operations. He later joined Miller Bearings, continuing his career in the bearing industry.

Throughout his professional life, he oversaw many employees and developed lasting relationships with colleagues and business associates, many of whom became lifelong friends. He particularly enjoyed the annual BSA conventions, which brought many happy memories and friendships over the years.

In the mid 1990s, Raymond and Cecile moved to Florida, where he continued working for Miller Bearings.

Following his retirement, they relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, eventually making Nolensville their home.

Raymond was an extraordinary provider who took great pride in taking care of his family and making life special for those he loved. He loved planning incredible family vacations and making Christmas a particularly memorable time of year. His thoughtfulness extended well beyond the big occasions. He took the time to write letters with beautiful, precise penmanship and send carefully assembled care packages. Always ahead of his time, he was preparing charcuterie boards and bringing people together around good food long before they became fashionable. Whether through grand adventures or the smallest personal gestures, Raymond had a gift for making his family feel cared for and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Raymond was a man of many talents and interests. Incredibly creative, he loved to doodle and draw, often turning an ordinary notecard or poster board into something special. Remembering birthdays was important to him, and he made a tradition of drawing on notecards and attaching a coin or a few dollars as a personal birthday gift. He also had a love for photography, capturing memories and moments throughout his life.

He was also an avid reader, rarely without something to read, and loved good music, traveling, and exploring the world. An accomplished runner, he completed the Mississippi Marathon and ran the New York City Marathon twice. He also loved playing golf, particularly his annual golf trips with a few of his closest buddies.

Those trips, along with the friendships and memories made throughout the years, were among his treasured experiences.

Raymond could be serious and thoughtful, but he also loved humor and a good laugh. He was intelligent, well-informed, and passionate about politics, in fact, debating politics with Cecile was practically a sport in their household, a tradition that had been part of their relationship for decades. He enjoyed a good argument as much as a good laugh.

He was also known for keeping meticulous records of just about everything and, in more recent years, took great pleasure in sharing photo memories, jokes, videos, and interesting life hacks, with family and friends.

Although he might never have admitted it, Raymond was also a reluctant dog lover. Over time, he grew quite fond of his children's dogs: Gibson, Jenny, Leo, Molly, Hank, Lucy, Bodhi, and Lincoln. They each found a special place in his heart, whether he cared to admit it or not.

He also had a particular fondness for winter. While others might look forward to colorful leaves and bright landscapes, he preferred the quiet sill beauty of winter, when the leaves had fallen and the days turned a crisp cold and grey. It was just one more example of the unique perspective and personality that made him who he was.

On the afternoon of Thursday, November 5, 2026, Raymond collapsed and was later rushed to the hospital.

Despite attempts to revive him, he never regained consciousness. He passed away later that evening at 11:10 p.m., surrounded by the five people he loved most: his beloved wife and their four children.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cecile M. Brocato; his four children, Kimberly Christine Brocato, Raymond Hess Brocato Jr., Laurie Brocato Scovell (Jeff, and Emily Brocato Hopkins (Brian); his nine grandchildren, Carson (Kiara), Rachel (Spencer), Maddy, Emma, Sam, Bridget, Celia Grace, Olivia, and Charlotte; and his three great-grandchildren, Oaklynn, Everlee, and Rylee. He is also survived by his half-sister Lisa Brocato McTaggart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Van Antone Brocato and Evelyn Hess Brocato, and his sisters Marcia Brocato Maynard and Sandra Brocato Parks.

Raymond will be remembered for his remarkable talents, intelligence, humor, creativity, love of adventure, devotion to Ole Miss, and, above all, his fierce and unwavering love for his family. His hand-drawn birthday cards, photographs, spirited conversations, family games, golf trips, shared laughter, and countless thoughtful gestures will remain cherished memories for generations to come. His was a life filled with family, friendships, accomplishments, and a personality that was unmistakably his own. Most importantly, he was a man of faith, and his family finds comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to a charity of your choosing.