Milton Lawrence “Larry” Bray, 93, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, in the comfort of his home.
He was born September 9, 1927, in Jerseyville, Illinois, to the late Charles and Eva (Mowen) Bray.
He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he spent most of his adult life fulfilling his dream of being a farmer, making the move to Wren Ranch in 1971. This dream was enriched and encouraged by the love of his wife of 70 years, Georgia Ellen Baker, whom he married on June 18, 1950, in Shipman. She, along with their five children, will miss him dearly: Loreen (Frank) Farmer of Springfield, James (Tyonia) Bray of Gillespie, Rodney (Kathy) Bray of Brighton, Donna (Junior) Davis of Brighton, and Beth (Craig) Schnaak of Brighton.
He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren: Craig (Lia) Tatham, Debra Tatham, Randall (Kendra) Tatham, Elizabeth (Jeff) Rusin, Rebecca Farmer (Marshall Baldwin), Josh (Cynthia) Bray, Tisha (Jeff) Bernhardt, Adam Bray, Tommy Reynolds, Angela (Roger) Heise, Jamie Bray (Justin Arnett), Leslie Davis, Nicole (Travis) Jackson, Nathan Schnaak, and Luke Schnaak; twenty seven great grandchildren: Aaron Tatham, Alexis Tatham, Aubrey Tatham, Xander Tatham, Jaxson Rusin, Madison Rusin, Megan Bray, Hanna Bray, Colten Steele, Courtney Bernhardt, Ian Bernhardt, Bryanna Bray, Baylee Bray, Bentley Bray, Paxtian Bray, Summer Reynolds, Autumn Reynolds, Patricia (Andy) Kolb, Danielle Heise, Christopher (Bissan) Heise, Alexander Heise, Zachary Heise, Peyton (Jonny) Scott, Connor Arnett, Makinley Arnett, Easton Dolmage, and Gunner Jackson; two great-great grandchildren, Brylynn Thornton and Maverick Scott; and one brother, William (MaryAnn) Bray of Godfrey.
He was a member of the former Jerseyville Moose Lodge and worked as a rural letter carrier for the United States Postal Service.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of PRIVATE Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Brighton.
Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Memorials in Larry’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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