David Evans Bray

David Evans Bray, 92, died on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center in Amory. Born December 26, 1919 in Houston, MS, he was a son of the late Benny Burkett Bray and Gladys Davis Bray Johnson. He married Lena Marie Ausborn; she later died. Working as a contractor, he was the owner of David E. Bray Enterprises. A man of faith, he was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and involved with the Veterans of Armed Services. He enjoyed working hard and spending time with his family.

A great American, and a veteran of World War II, he entered the U.S. Army on October 10, 1941 and received his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Ga. He was a sharpshooter with the 8th Army Infantry. Arriving in Bombay, India on August 13, 1943, he later was promoted to supply sergeant and was tasked with supplying soldiers that traveled up the Burma Road. Receiving various medals, he was discharged in December 1945 having served 2 years, 4 months, and 26 days in India.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel in Amory with Bro. Danny Burks and Bro. Tommy Whaley officiating. Burial will be in the Haughton Memorial Park with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Michael Pearson, Matthew Pearson, Joe Bagwell, Van Pearson, Phillip Pearson, and Dan West. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include two grandchildren, Sherman Daniel Bray (Jennifer) of Amory and David Wayne Bray of Amory; three great grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, and Aleisha Bray; brother, Earl Bray of Riddings, CA; and special friend and caretaker, Virginia Pearson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son, Sherman Wayne Bray; two sisters, Mary Annie Kennedy and Grace Caldwell; and one brother, Burkett Benny Bray, Jr.

Visitation will be 11:30 until service time on Tuesday, November 20 at the funeral home.