B.J. Brummitt Jr., 58, of Apopka, Florida passed away on October 11, 2017. Mr. Brummitt was born on January 17, 1959 in Ashtabula, Ohio. He was a beloved figure in Apopka as the Owner of BJ’s Towing Service. Mr. Brummitt is survived by his mother Dulcie “Mom” Brummitt; his significant other Christin Wilson; siblings Roger Brummitt, Mike Brummitt, Ed Brummitt, Pamela Settles, and Beverly Muncy; daughters Katrina Miller and Brittany Wilson; 3 grandchildren; and many loved ones and friends.
From the time he was able to walk we all knew we were in trouble. BJ would hang all over mom and the rest of us, just buggin’ us to death. That’s how he got the nickname “Buggy”.
Throughout his school years he was picked on because of the way he walked, but he never allowed his disability to stop him. At the age of 12, in Ohio, he got a job taking care of a local woman’s yard, where he would raise her sheep. In 1972, when BJ moved to Florida, he was in a work release program. Soon after starting the work release program he starting bugging John Garcia, who ran Lust and Long Packing House. John took very well to BJ, as most of his friends did. After leaving Lust and Long Packing House he went on to work at a service station in Maitland, where he also took very well to the Owner.
In the winter of 1973 BJ, his father, and his oldest sister Leta were on their way to Orlando to do some Christmas shopping, when the unthinkable happened! Just 6 miles away from home they were struck by a train. BJ’s sister, Leta, died instantly, and his father died the next morning. BJ survived the accident, but just about every bone in the lower parts of his body were broken as well as his jaw. He was on a Ventilator for 14 days. His mother, Dulcie “Mom”, stayed by his side the entire time and nursed him back to health.
In 1980, with one truck and a dream he started BJ’s Towing! He worked at the Shell Station that was on the corner of McGee and 441. BJ’s Towing went on to be the most recognized Towing Service in Apopka.
In the early 1990’s BJ had a quadruple bypass, which led to many surgeries as well as additional health complications. BJ did not have it easy since he went on to have 6 heart surgeries, which include a pacemaker, defibrillator, knee replacement, body infections and complications from diabetes. BJ was able to beat prostate cancer and also had a near death experience after going into cardiac arrest. Despite all of this, he did not let it slow him down. BJ loved life; he loved his family, friends, and community. Many times BJ would speak of selling his business, but all that truly knew him, knew better.
Christin and BJ met in 2007 and spent the next 11 years together. During this time they welcomed 3 grandchildren, Tanner, Bo and Oz. Tanner, Bo, and Oz were his heart. BJ and Christin also continued to run the business together. Christin would work in the office and BJ would take the calls with the other drivers from time to time. During BJ’s many stays in the hospital he could always count on Christin to be by his side, which is exactly what she did until his time here on earth ended.
BJ had the biggest heart of anyone we knew. He loved helping anyone and everyone he could. Many stories can be told regarding his generosity. One story of his generosity dates back to 1977, when BJ purchased a crib for the family that lived across the street from his business. That act stuck with the boys, as they would fro up and work for BJ one day.
BJ was a jokester, and loved making people laugh. If he wasn’t on a call, or with his family, you could find him in one of the local restaurants, cutting up with the employees and fellow patrons. His love for his family, friends, and community was profound. He touched the lives of everyone that he met, and he will be greatly, greatly missed.
He would want all of you to know that he lived a great life, and to THANK YOU ALL for helping him fulfill his dream for 37 years. For now BJ’s Towing will carry on in his honor.
Fellowship to foillow at the Elk’s Lodge:
201 W. Orange Street
Apopka, FL 32703