Stephen Render Braswell passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by his beloved wife, Tena, and their five children. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of the Church, Steve lived a life defined by intellectual curiosity, generous service, and, most especially, an enduring commitment to his family and faith.

Steve was born on February 24, 1940, in Manila, the Philippines, to Major General L. Render Braswell, M.D. and Elizabeth Wylly Willingham Braswell. Although both parents came from multigenerational Georgia families, Steve’s early years took him across the globe during his father’s service in the U.S. Air Force. Growing up in different countries and cultures fostered a lifelong love of travel and discovery that would take him to every corner of the world.

Steve attended Gayhurst Preparatory School in Buckinghamshire and Clayesmore School in Dorset, England. He later returned to the United States and attended Duke University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. At Duke, he served as chairman of the Student Union and president of the Sigma Chi fraternity, demonstrating the leadership and ability to bring people together that would distinguish his career and community service.

Following graduation, Steve began a remarkable 34-year career with Prudential Insurance Company. Over the course of his tenure, he held numerous senior executive positions, including Vice President of Group Insurance; President of Southwestern Operations; Vice President for Federal Government Relations in Washington, D.C.; and Chief Human Resources Officer. He subsequently served as President of Prudential Property & Casualty Company and President of Prudential Investment Services. Recognizing his integrity and judgment, the Prudential Board of Directors also asked him to serve as the company’s Chief Ethics Officer.

Steve served on the boards of Prudential Real Estate and Prudential Reinsurance, as well as Prudential’s European and Asian operations. He chaired the Alliance of American Insurers, a national trade association, and served on the Executive Committee of the Russell 20-20 Group, composed of leaders of major institutional investors. Through this organization, he participated in annual investment visits to emerging markets throughout Asia, Europe, and South America.

Despite the demands of his career, Steve remained deeply committed to charitable and educational institutions. He served as president of the Mental Health Association in Jacksonville, Florida, and Houston, Texas. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Monmouth College, he helped guide the institution through its transition into university status. In recognition of his contributions, Monmouth University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

After many years of moving across the country for his career, Steve brought his family home to his beloved Georgia and spent more than three decades on Sea Island and St. Simons Island and in Savannah. Never one to remain idle after retirement, he prioritized sharing special experiences with family by taking them on adventures to many far flung regions of the world. From the ancient temples of Asia and the rolling pastures of New Zealand to the Holy Land and the vibrant cities of Europe, Steve generously shared the wonders of the world with his family. Through these experiences, he instilled in them the importance of treating every individual with the utmost respect, regardless of their beliefs, background, or social standing.

Upon moving to Savannah, he channeled his energy into becoming an active supporter of Savannah’s civic and cultural institutions, serving on the boards of Historic Savannah, the Georgia Historical Society, and Telfair Museums, as well as the Board of Visitors of the Savannah College of Art and Design. His love of fellowship was reflected in his involvement with the Oglethorpe Club, Savannah Golf Club, Chatham Club, and The Landings Club. He also cherished his memberships in the Madeira Club, the St. Andrew’s Society, the Society of Colonial Wars, and the Downtown Rotary Club. He most especially treasured the weekly men’s lunches spent in fellowship among his dear friends.

Above all his professional accomplishments and affiliations, Steve considered his greatest blessings to be his family and his faith. A lifelong Episcopalian and Anglican, he devoted considerable time and energy to the life of the Church. He served as Senior Warden of Christ Church, Frederica, on St. Simons Island, and later on the Vestry of St. John’s Church in Savannah.

His faith extended beyond his local congregations to the worldwide Anglican Communion. Steve was a founding member of the Compass Rose Society, an international organization dedicated to supporting the Archbishop of Canterbury in his role as spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Through the society, he traveled to Israel, Palestine, and Northern Ireland as part of interfaith delegations promoting peace in those regions. In recognition of his service, he was presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2001.

His devoted family will always remember him for his enthusiasm and celebration of life. From leading cacophonous “do-dah” parades to showing off his “genuflecting stomp” on the dance floor, Steve always brought light and laughter to those around him. He lived by the creed of “Do Good and Love Mercy” and taught his children and grandchildren the value of “counting to 50 first.” Whether it was a Friday night Frank Sinatra steak dinner or a memorable lobster feast on a summer night in Maine, he served as the master of ceremonies around the cherished family dining table as he regaled the family with “little devil” stories from his youth and current event pop quizzes.

Throughout their 58 years together, Steve’s beloved wife, Tena, affectionately called “Dodie” by him, was his full partner in adventure—the biggest of which was being infinitely blessed with five children, including twins when Steve and Tena were in their mid-forties. Steve is survived by Tena and their children: Elisabeth “Lisa” Braswell Bell (Holmes Bell), Wylly Braswell Staab (Peter Staab), Catherine Braswell Lovett (Bates Lovett), Grayson Braswell, and Render Braswell. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Gus Bell V, Couper Staab, William Lovett, Sides Bell, Caroline Staab, Woods Lovett, and Wylly Bell. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Spalding Braswell; his sister, Elizabeth Ann Braswell; and nieces Catherine Smith Willmott and Elizabeth Smith Bommer and their families. He will be immensely and deeply missed by his family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church, 325 Bull Street. All are invited to a reception immediately following the service at the Green-Meldrim House. A private family burial will be held at Christ Church, Frederica, on St. Simons Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Church, 325 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.