Braxton Chase Rife

Braxton Chase Rife, age 34, passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2021.

Braxton was born on June 17, 1986, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Russell and Racheal Rife. The family moved to Weatherford, Texas, in 1999, and loved living in the country and being a part of the community. 

Braxton has been reunited in Heaven with his grandfather, Bob McGee; great grandparents, William and Roberta McGee; great grandparents, Grant and Blue McMurray; uncle, Terry Saltzman; and cousin, Dakota Benoit.

Braxton graduated from Weatherford High School in 2005, where he enjoyed playing football and creating many lasting friendships. He became known as Big Boy and Big “B” to his friends, Big Daddy to his co-workers, and Bubba to his family. After high school Braxton worked as a special education paraprofessional in Weatherford ISD for 10 years. He loved supporting kids with special needs and believed that it was his God gift to make a difference for each and every child.

After leaving the education field, Braxton became a member of the Sleep Number team in 2017, and served as a technician, certified field trainer, and a field services controller. He believed that being a part of the company was his career and that he had finally found his niche in the workforce.

Braxton met the love of his life and soulmate, Heather, in 2013 and it was love at first sight. He came home after their first date and told his mom and dad, “I’m gonna marry that girl.” They became best friends and were married in 2015. God blessed them with a daughter, Avery Ryder, on February 10, 2021. He would often say that the one thing he knew he had done right was marry Heather and with her create a beautiful daughter. Heather and Avery were his everything.

Braxton was a simple man who loved big and never met a stranger. He found joy in the ordinary, accepted and valued people for who they were, and could make anyone laugh just by being himself. He believed in Jesus, loved his family beyond measure, had the gift to make connections with everyone he met and could take a nap anytime anywhere. His best friends were his parents, Russell and Racheal. He loved drag racing with his dad, hot rods, spending time at their home, and traveling as a family.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Braxton is survived by his wife, Heather; daughter, Avery; parents, Russell and Racheal Rife; grandmother, Linda McGee; aunt and uncle, Prince and Leia Hunt; aunt, Nita Saltzman; aunt, Barbara McMurray; cousins, Corrie Hunt and Ashly McGee; mother in law, Vickie Walter; brother and sister in law, Victor and Amber Villa; nephew, Frankie; and many cousins, in-laws, and close friends.

Family, friends and others whose lives Braxton touched are invited to join the family in celebrating his life.

Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Home, 913 N. Elm Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086
Visitation - Thursday, April 15, 2021, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life Service - April 16, 2021, 3:00 p.m.