Jeroel D. “J.D.” (Mayor) Bray

October 8, 2011

Jeroel D. “J.D.” (Mayor) Bray, 91, of Jay, passed away, Thursday, October 6th, 2011, at his home after an extended illness.

J.D. was born on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1919, in Jay, to H.H. “Hub” and Alice Bray. He grew up on the family farm with his brothers, Charlie (Birdie), C.H. “Chab” (Margie), Burley, Raymond; and his sisters, Beatrice (Earlie) Hall, Mattie (Leonard) Mattox, Myrtle Bray and Maudie (Burley) Lashley. J.D. helped on the family farm and attended Jay School where he enjoyed playing football, baseball and basketball.

J. D. enlisted in the U.S.Army in 1938 and was sent to the Panama Canal after basic training. At the onset of WWII, J.D., found himself in Europe fighting Hitler’s Army. He was in the infantry and fought in the Battle of the Bulge where many lives were lost. J.D. attained the rank of sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1945.

J.D. returned home and got a job with the EREC as a lineman. In his spare time he played on the town baseball and basketball team. He also acquired some land and farmed a short time.

In 1952 he married Theda Warrick Bray in Pascagoula, MS.

They bought and operated a local service station and later he went to work with the Santa Rosa County Road Department where he retired in 1988. J.D. also developed a taste for politics and served as a Jay City Councilman in 1954-56. He was elected as Mayor and served for 44 years. The “mayor” oversaw the town and watched it thrive. The little town got many paved roads, a city sewer system, a new city hall and a community center. The town acquired two parks one of which is named Bray-Hendricks Park in his honor.

J.D. was a lifetime member of the American Legion and past commander of Edeker-DuBose Post 121 in Jay. J.D. was also a 32nd degree Freemason and a member of Red Rock Masonic Lodge #96 in Munson.

J. D. loved to garden and planted much more than his family needed. He delighted in giving vegetables to his friends and neighbors. J.D. also enjoyed watching Florida State football games and was a true Seminole. Mostly, J.D. enjoyed his daily rides to town and the peanut cooperative where he could visit with friends.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Theda; three children; Debbie (Michael) Gilley of Vienna, Austria, Cheryl Bray of Allentown, FL, Stewart (Maria) Bray of Middleburg, FL; grandson, S.J .Bray; granddaughter, Meghan Gilley; great-granddaughter, Tristan Bray; and his sister, Myrtle Bray of Century.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 11th, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Pastor Earle Greene officiating. Burial will follow at Jay Cemetery with Masonic and military services. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m.at Jay Funeral Home, 3853 Highway 4.

The family requests donations are made to Covenant Hospice in lieu of flowers.

The family wishes to thank all who supported us during this difficult time. Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Kelley, Dr. David Smith, Jay Hospital, Jay Fire Department, Senior Home Health, Covenant Hospice (Traci, Cathy and Al), and Diane Freeman Support Services (Christie).

Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Comments

4 Responses to “Jeroel D. “J.D.” (Mayor) Bray”

  1. Randall Lemons on November 8th, 2022 12:56 am

    I dont think i ever met Mr. JD Bray as a kid. Beatrice Hall was my grand mother and Ruby my mother. What a great loss. He was part of the greatest generation. Again thoughts are with you.Sorry it took so long to see this.thank you Randall Lemons

  2. Laura and Eddie on October 20th, 2011 11:25 am

    Theda and girls: So sorry we were on vacation in West Va when this happened. You know how much we think of you all and you can be proud that J.D. was the public servant that he was. He did so much for Jay. Our step-father, Stanley used to sit and tell stories of the town council meetings when J.D. was mayor and how much he worked for the town. You have many memories to cherish and you know we would have been with you had we been home. May God comfort you during this time and we are only a phone call away if we can help you in any way. Much love.

  3. Kathleen Passmore on October 14th, 2011 10:35 am

    God looked around His garden, and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be thine”. I t broke our hearts to lose you. But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you the day God called you home. Jay is a better place because you cared. Blessed be…

  4. A.W. THOMPSON on October 9th, 2011 10:52 am

    My thoughts and condolences go out to the Bray family.Mr. Bray was a great American that made a positive impression on those he met.I can say that Jay, Florida is a better place because of J.D. Bray. Sincerely, A.W. Thompson Mosquito Flats,Florida

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries