Longtime Santa Rosa Deputy Theda Bray Passes Away

July 13, 2013

Santa Rosa County is mourning the passing of former deputy Theda “Cheryl” Bray of Allentown. She was 54.

Bray began her career with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office in February 1982.  She was a member of the first K-9 unit established in the county and also served as a detective in the Criminal Investigative Unit.

After she was promoted to lieutenant, show took command the Jay and Navarre districts. Bray retired from the Sheriff’s Office in June 2012 and received the honor rank of captain. She remained in the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Program for some time.

“She was an asset to the Sheriff’s Office, as well as to the community.  Her loyalty and dedication to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office will not be forgotten,” the department said in a news release.

She was also instrumental in the creation of ‘Christmas in Allentown’ where each year the public is invited to view over 300,000 Christmas lights.

Bray was the daughter of the late J.D. Bray, who served as mayor of Jay for 44 years. She is survived by her extended family.

Visitation for friends will be held at Lewis Funeral Home in Milton on Sunday, July 14 from 5-8 p.m.with a second visitation at Jay First Baptist Church  on Monday, July 15  from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11am followed by a procession and service at Jay Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Capt. Jim Spencer, (Ret.) Lt. Steve Barnes, (Ret.) Lt. Chuck Sloan, Lt. Joe McCurdy, (Ret.) Sgt. Ed Johnson, and Sgt. John Thompson

Honorary Pallbearers will be past and present deputies, correction officers and staff of the Santa Rose Sheriff’s Office.

For the complete obituary, click here.

Comments

7 Responses to “Longtime Santa Rosa Deputy Theda Bray Passes Away”

  1. betty on July 28th, 2013 9:06 am

    We know that you’ve just gone on to help keep order within Angels in Heaven.
    Thank you for all that you have done here on earth.

  2. wbw on July 16th, 2013 8:04 pm

    I worked for Cheryl for a few years and around her for many. She was a very kind and compassionate person. She will be missed.

  3. Brent on July 16th, 2013 6:12 pm

    Very sad to hear of her passing. I had the pleasure of knowing her mother my entire life, and just met Ms. Bray this past year when I sold her a vehicle. She was a very nice lady & my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  4. Clint on July 15th, 2013 4:50 pm

    RIP Cheryl. A fine person. From a good family.

  5. sparnell on July 14th, 2013 5:05 am

    What a terrible loss for so many. RIP Captain..

  6. Matt on July 14th, 2013 3:40 am

    RIP Captain. Thank you for your service.

  7. avalon on July 13th, 2013 11:53 pm

    I did not know you but thank you for your many years of service. Prayers for peace and comfort to your family and friends.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News