Lucy-Marie-Bray-1658

Obituary

The world lost a great man on October 1, 2017. On that day, Richard Lee Bray, 98 years old, passed away peacefully of natural causes. Born on February 16, 1919, in Newark, Arkansas, to Walter and Minnie Bray, Richard was a man of God and lived an honorable life. He met the love of his life, Lucy Counts, and they were married on January 11, 1943. Richard and Lucy were married until her death on December 17, 2004. They are now finally reunited.
Richard served in the Army from January 1941 to July 1945, and was stationed in Alaska during World War II. After the Army, he was self-employed as a trucker and then employed by Wasco High School. He took great pride in his job and worked there for many, many years until his retirement.
He was known to everyone as Brother Bray and known for his positive attitude. He would not hesitate to share the Word of Jesus Christ to friends and strangers alike.
He was predeceased by his grandson Jim Wright in 2012. Richard is survived by his daughters Jan (Chuck) Wright of Wasco and Gloria (Greg) Billington of Bakersfield; sister Marie Fowler of Placerville, CA; brother Roy (Darlene) of Peoria, Arizona. His is also survived by seven grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.
Richard will be greatly missed by family and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent, loving care Dad received from Gurpreet, Paz and George of Palm Living. In lieu of flower arrangements, donations be made on his behalf to Optimal Hospice Foundation, 1315 Boughton Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
Graveside service will be held at Shafter Cemetery on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 12pm