John "Jack" Robert Bray Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John “Jack” Robert Bray of Salem, Missouri was born March 21, 1936 in Hannibal, Missouri; the son of Adelbert Bray and Helen (nèe Protiva). Jack departed this life Wednesday, August 3, 2022 peacefully at his home in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty-six years. Jack served in the Army in the Cold War from 1958-1960, spending eighteen months in Germany. He received his undergraduate education from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri and his master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Jack was united in marriage to Roseann (nèe Rader) Bray on March 11, 1961 in Marshfield, Missouri. The couple made their home in Independence, Missouri, before settling down in Salem in 1973. Jack and Roseann were the proud parents of four children that blessed their marriage. Jack was employed as a teacher and football coach for several school districts in Missouri before retiring from teaching in 1975. After retiring from teaching, Jack worked in the lead mining industry, and as a bus driver, and he also worked in various other vocations. Jack also volunteered delivering meals for Our Savior Lutheran Church meal program for many years. Jack was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Salem. Jack enjoyed his family, fishing, camping, golfing, singing, yard work, and being friends with everyone he met. Jack was a prankster and an expert at generating laughter. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and will be dearly missed. Jack is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Roseann Bray of Salem, MO, three sons: Tim Bray and wife Jamin Bray of Salem, MO, Paul Bray and wife Stephanie Bray of Union, MO, David Bray and wife Jennifer Bray of Smithton, MO; one daughter Sally and husband John McColloch of Washington, MO; and eleven grandchildren: Nate and Andrea Bray, Georgiana, Matthew, and Eli Bray, Brayden and Brooke McColloch, and Josie, Sam, Drew and Fisher Bray; one brother, George “Tom” Bray and wife Jean of Eagle Bluff, TX; one sister: Jane and husband Wendell Bailey of Willow Springs, MO; sister-in-law Karen and husband Ron Rudolph of Marshfield, MO, and very special nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents Adelbert and Helen Bray of Willow Springs, MO. Funeral Services for John “Jack” Robert Bray were held Monday, August 8, 2022 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Parish Ministry Associate Dennis Kemper officiating. A special eulogy was shared by David Bray and special music was provided by his grandchildren singing, “How Great Thou Art” and Jamin Bray singing “The Tree” . Additional congregational hymns played by pianist Sara Pines were “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry”. Serving as Pallbearers were his loving grandchildren Nate Bray, Andrea Bray, Georgiana Bray, Matthew Bray, Eli Bray, Brayden McColloch, Brooke McColloch, Josie Bray, Sam Bray, Drew Bray, and Fisher Bray. Graveside Services with Military Honors were held Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of John “Jack” Bray to Our Savior Lutheran Church Meal Program, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (3405 W Truman Blvd Ste 102 Jefferson City, MO 65109), or donors’ choice and left at Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

John "Jack" Robert Bray

March 21, 1936 - August 3, 2022