Obituary for David Bray
David Bray
Jennings: It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of David Bray announces the passing of their dear Patriarch. He passed on from this life on the 10th of February 2021, at the age of 88. David was born on March 21, 1932 — in Jennings, Louisiana—to Reverend Samuel Bray and Lou Ida Guidry Bray; both of Jennings, Louisiana.
David was strong in faith. He began and ended each day praying, reading his bible and communing with God. His two favorite scriptures were John 15:12, "This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you" and 2Timothy 1:7, "God has not given us the spirit of Fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
David attended Jefferson Davis High School, where he played various sports. It was there that he inevitably formed life long friendships. It was also there that his fun loving nature and competitive aptitude developed him into a talented athlete, as his love for sports flourished. Following his high school graduation, David bravely and honorable served his country in the United State Army Military Police Corps. Upon returning from his deployment in Germany, David studied at Southern University (Baton Rouge); earning a degree in Kinesiology in only three years! After earning his degree, he worked for the city of New Orleans before returning to the Jennings community where he married the love of his life, Goldie Wilridge in 1960. David and Goldie enjoyed many years together. Together, they became charter members of the original "Club 21", creating space for making memories with neighbors, family and friends. Through their life together, they also shared David's love of sports; each excelling on their own bowling teams, where they competed and won tournaments across the state of Louisiana. It was here that David was again recognized for his sportsmanship and athleticism, bowling a Perfect 300, not once, but twice during their involvement in the league. Their union was also blessed to welcome their most precious gift, their son Shawn Q. Bray (Esq.). David's family was his first priority and he could commonly be found outside cutting the grass, making sure not only his yard was taken care of, but make himself available to give the same meticulous attention to the homes of his mother and other close family and neighbors who needed him.
David's lifelong commitment and dedication to serving others in his community led him to begin his career with the Jeff Davis Sherriff's Department in 1966. Proudly, he became one of the first African American Deputies to serve, until his retirement in 1990. He was known for his generosity in helping anyone in need, as he supported many philanthropic organizations throughout his life. He was a member of American Legion Post 520, as well as a Prince Hall Mason. David loved football and never missed watching a Saints game; he was also a very strategic Dominoes player.
David Bray was a devoted husband until the end, spending the last 5 years of his life, caring for his beloved wife amidst her health challenges. Those left behind to carry his legacy are his wife, Goldie Marie Wilridge Bray (61 years); son Shawn Q. Bray, Esq. (Chelsea) of Baton Rouge; his grandchildren Maddyson Q. Bray, Harrison R. Bray and Carson C. Bray; Sisters Della Severin (the late Height, Sr.), Jane Bray and Joycie Williams (Matthews), all of New Orleans; sister-in-laws Rose Guilbeau (Harry, of Jennings), Rena Bray (Late Samuel, of Jennings), Lettie Mae Wilridge (Late Homer of Crowley); his nieces, Shannon Williams-Profit, Sheila Williams, Sharon Guilbeau-Brown (Micheal) and nephews Height Williams, Jr. and Samuel Bray III; and yet a host of other nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Samuel and Lou Ida Bray; brother Samuel Bray Jr.; brother David Smith Bray, sister Melissa Bray; great –uncle Reverend Curly Guidry; and great-niece Osha Bray.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation for Mr. Bray on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Services will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm. in the Chapel of Matthews and Son Funeral Home, 511 Cutting Avenue, Jennings, Louisiana 70546.
A committal service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 12:30 PM at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Cemetery.
Following Mr. Bray's example, his family encourages donations in his honor to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and Research Fund or a charity of your choice.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.
David Bray
Jennings: It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of David Bray announces the passing of their dear Patriarch. He passed on from this life on the 10th of February 2021, at the age of 88. David was born on March 21, 1932 — in Jennings, Louisiana—to Reverend Samuel Bray and Lou Ida Guidry Bray; both of Jennings, Louisiana.
David was strong in faith. He began and ended each day praying, reading his bible and communing with God. His two favorite scriptures were John 15:12, "This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you" and 2Timothy 1:7, "God has not given us the spirit of Fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
David attended Jefferson Davis High School, where he played various sports. It was there that he inevitably formed life long friendships. It was also there that his fun loving nature and competitive aptitude developed him into a talented athlete, as his love for sports flourished. Following his high school graduation, David bravely and honorable served his country in the United State Army Military Police Corps. Upon returning from his deployment in Germany, David studied at Southern University (Baton Rouge); earning a degree in Kinesiology in only three years! After earning his degree, he worked for the city of New Orleans before returning to the Jennings community where he married the love of his life, Goldie Wilridge in 1960. David and Goldie enjoyed many years together. Together, they became charter members of the original "Club 21", creating space for making memories with neighbors, family and friends. Through their life together, they also shared David's love of sports; each excelling on their own bowling teams, where they competed and won tournaments across the state of Louisiana. It was here that David was again recognized for his sportsmanship and athleticism, bowling a Perfect 300, not once, but twice during their involvement in the league. Their union was also blessed to welcome their most precious gift, their son Shawn Q. Bray (Esq.). David's family was his first priority and he could commonly be found outside cutting the grass, making sure not only his yard was taken care of, but make himself available to give the same meticulous attention to the homes of his mother and other close family and neighbors who needed him.
David's lifelong commitment and dedication to serving others in his community led him to begin his career with the Jeff Davis Sherriff's Department in 1966. Proudly, he became one of the first African American Deputies to serve, until his retirement in 1990. He was known for his generosity in helping anyone in need, as he supported many philanthropic organizations throughout his life. He was a member of American Legion Post 520, as well as a Prince Hall Mason. David loved football and never missed watching a Saints game; he was also a very strategic Dominoes player.
David Bray was a devoted husband until the end, spending the last 5 years of his life, caring for his beloved wife amidst her health challenges. Those left behind to carry his legacy are his wife, Goldie Marie Wilridge Bray (61 years); son Shawn Q. Bray, Esq. (Chelsea) of Baton Rouge; his grandchildren Maddyson Q. Bray, Harrison R. Bray and Carson C. Bray; Sisters Della Severin (the late Height, Sr.), Jane Bray and Joycie Williams (Matthews), all of New Orleans; sister-in-laws Rose Guilbeau (Harry, of Jennings), Rena Bray (Late Samuel, of Jennings), Lettie Mae Wilridge (Late Homer of Crowley); his nieces, Shannon Williams-Profit, Sheila Williams, Sharon Guilbeau-Brown (Micheal) and nephews Height Williams, Jr. and Samuel Bray III; and yet a host of other nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Samuel and Lou Ida Bray; brother Samuel Bray Jr.; brother David Smith Bray, sister Melissa Bray; great –uncle Reverend Curly Guidry; and great-niece Osha Bray.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation for Mr. Bray on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Services will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm. in the Chapel of Matthews and Son Funeral Home, 511 Cutting Avenue, Jennings, Louisiana 70546.
A committal service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 12:30 PM at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Cemetery.
Following Mr. Bray's example, his family encourages donations in his honor to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and Research Fund or a charity of your choice.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.
Obituary for David Bray
David Bray
Jennings: It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of David Bray announces the passing of their dear Patriarch. He passed on from this life on the 10th of February 2021, at the age of 88. David was born on March 21, 1932 — in Jennings, Louisiana—to Reverend Samuel Bray and Lou Ida Guidry Bray; both of Jennings, Louisiana.
David was strong in faith. He began and ended each day praying, reading his bible and communing with God. His two favorite scriptures were John 15:12, "This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you" and 2Timothy 1:7, "God has not given us the spirit of Fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
David attended Jefferson Davis High School, where he played various sports. It was there that he inevitably formed life long friendships. It was also there that his fun loving nature and competitive aptitude developed him into a talented athlete, as his love for sports flourished. Following his high school graduation, David bravely and honorable served his country in the United State Army Military Police Corps. Upon returning from his deployment in Germany, David studied at Southern University (Baton Rouge); earning a degree in Kinesiology in only three years! After earning his degree, he worked for the city of New Orleans before returning to the Jennings community where he married the love of his life, Goldie Wilridge in 1960. David and Goldie enjoyed many years together. Together, they became charter members of the original "Club 21", creating space for making memories with neighbors, family and friends. Through their life together, they also shared David's love of sports; each excelling on their own bowling teams, where they competed and won tournaments across the state of Louisiana. It was here that David was again recognized for his sportsmanship and athleticism, bowling a Perfect 300, not once, but twice during their involvement in the league. Their union was also blessed to welcome their most precious gift, their son Shawn Q. Bray (Esq.). David's family was his first priority and he could commonly be found outside cutting the grass, making sure not only his yard was taken care of, but make himself available to give the same meticulous attention to the homes of his mother and other close family and neighbors who needed him.
David's lifelong commitment and dedication to serving others in his community led him to begin his career with the Jeff Davis Sherriff's Department in 1966. Proudly, he became one of the first African American Deputies to serve, until his retirement in 1990. He was known for his generosity in helping anyone in need, as he supported many philanthropic organizations throughout his life. He was a member of American Legion Post 520, as well as a Prince Hall Mason. David loved football and never missed watching a Saints game; he was also a very strategic Dominoes player.
David Bray was a devoted husband until the end, spending the last 5 years of his life, caring for his beloved wife amidst her health challenges. Those left behind to carry his legacy are his wife, Goldie Marie Wilridge Bray (61 years); son Shawn Q. Bray, Esq. (Chelsea) of Baton Rouge; his grandchildren Maddyson Q. Bray, Harrison R. Bray and Carson C. Bray; Sisters Della Severin (the late Height, Sr.), Jane Bray and Joycie Williams (Matthews), all of New Orleans; sister-in-laws Rose Guilbeau (Harry, of Jennings), Rena Bray (Late Samuel, of Jennings), Lettie Mae Wilridge (Late Homer of Crowley); his nieces, Shannon Williams-Profit, Sheila Williams, Sharon Guilbeau-Brown (Micheal) and nephews Height Williams, Jr. and Samuel Bray III; and yet a host of other nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Samuel and Lou Ida Bray; brother Samuel Bray Jr.; brother David Smith Bray, sister Melissa Bray; great –uncle Reverend Curly Guidry; and great-niece Osha Bray.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation for Mr. Bray on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Services will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm. in the Chapel of Matthews and Son Funeral Home, 511 Cutting Avenue, Jennings, Louisiana 70546.
A committal service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 12:30 PM at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Cemetery.
Following Mr. Bray's example, his family encourages donations in his honor to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and Research Fund or a charity of your choice.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.
David Bray
Jennings: It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of David Bray announces the passing of their dear Patriarch. He passed on from this life on the 10th of February 2021, at the age of 88. David was born on March 21, 1932 — in Jennings, Louisiana—to Reverend Samuel Bray and Lou Ida Guidry Bray; both of Jennings, Louisiana.
David was strong in faith. He began and ended each day praying, reading his bible and communing with God. His two favorite scriptures were John 15:12, "This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you" and 2Timothy 1:7, "God has not given us the spirit of Fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
David attended Jefferson Davis High School, where he played various sports. It was there that he inevitably formed life long friendships. It was also there that his fun loving nature and competitive aptitude developed him into a talented athlete, as his love for sports flourished. Following his high school graduation, David bravely and honorable served his country in the United State Army Military Police Corps. Upon returning from his deployment in Germany, David studied at Southern University (Baton Rouge); earning a degree in Kinesiology in only three years! After earning his degree, he worked for the city of New Orleans before returning to the Jennings community where he married the love of his life, Goldie Wilridge in 1960. David and Goldie enjoyed many years together. Together, they became charter members of the original "Club 21", creating space for making memories with neighbors, family and friends. Through their life together, they also shared David's love of sports; each excelling on their own bowling teams, where they competed and won tournaments across the state of Louisiana. It was here that David was again recognized for his sportsmanship and athleticism, bowling a Perfect 300, not once, but twice during their involvement in the league. Their union was also blessed to welcome their most precious gift, their son Shawn Q. Bray (Esq.). David's family was his first priority and he could commonly be found outside cutting the grass, making sure not only his yard was taken care of, but make himself available to give the same meticulous attention to the homes of his mother and other close family and neighbors who needed him.
David's lifelong commitment and dedication to serving others in his community led him to begin his career with the Jeff Davis Sherriff's Department in 1966. Proudly, he became one of the first African American Deputies to serve, until his retirement in 1990. He was known for his generosity in helping anyone in need, as he supported many philanthropic organizations throughout his life. He was a member of American Legion Post 520, as well as a Prince Hall Mason. David loved football and never missed watching a Saints game; he was also a very strategic Dominoes player.
David Bray was a devoted husband until the end, spending the last 5 years of his life, caring for his beloved wife amidst her health challenges. Those left behind to carry his legacy are his wife, Goldie Marie Wilridge Bray (61 years); son Shawn Q. Bray, Esq. (Chelsea) of Baton Rouge; his grandchildren Maddyson Q. Bray, Harrison R. Bray and Carson C. Bray; Sisters Della Severin (the late Height, Sr.), Jane Bray and Joycie Williams (Matthews), all of New Orleans; sister-in-laws Rose Guilbeau (Harry, of Jennings), Rena Bray (Late Samuel, of Jennings), Lettie Mae Wilridge (Late Homer of Crowley); his nieces, Shannon Williams-Profit, Sheila Williams, Sharon Guilbeau-Brown (Micheal) and nephews Height Williams, Jr. and Samuel Bray III; and yet a host of other nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Samuel and Lou Ida Bray; brother Samuel Bray Jr.; brother David Smith Bray, sister Melissa Bray; great –uncle Reverend Curly Guidry; and great-niece Osha Bray.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation for Mr. Bray on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Services will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm. in the Chapel of Matthews and Son Funeral Home, 511 Cutting Avenue, Jennings, Louisiana 70546.
A committal service will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 12:30 PM at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Cemetery.
Following Mr. Bray's example, his family encourages donations in his honor to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and Research Fund or a charity of your choice.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.
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