George Fredrick Bray, 90, passed away on May 16, 2022 at his home in West Branch, MI. George was born on April 11, 1932 to Howard Bray and Irene Steinbrecker Bray in West Branch. He married his wife, Ann Hewson Bray on May 15, 1954 and was happily married for 68 years.
He enlisted in the Army in January 1951 at the age of 18 with the 45th Division, 180th Infantry Regiment of Company B and served until 1954. He fought in the Korean War 1951-1952. He was proud of his service and enjoyed meeting up with his brothers in arms at their annual Company B reunions held in Oklahoma City.
Upon his return, he and Ann lived in Flint where George worked for Buick. They returned to West Branch where George worked for the A&P store until his retirement in 1987. He was a past master of the Masonic Lodge #376 and a member of the Consistory in Bay City.
He and Ann were long-time members of the Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry and ran the food pantry during its early years.
He was an outdoorsman, loving to hunt and fish, and a skilled craftsman that enjoyed working with wood. He was a master storyteller and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others.
He will be remembered by many in the community for his compassion toward others, his huge sense of humor and ever larger sense of duty and service.
He is survived by his wife, Ann, his daughter, Jan Collins (Jay), daughter-in-law, Sandi Bray, all of West Branch, and four grandchildren, Mallory Collins (Brandon Buckli) of Austin, TX; Kimberly Dooley (Patrick) of Saline, MI; Eden Collins (Daniel May) of Nacogdoches, TX; and Michael Bray of West Branch; brother-in-law, Richard Hewson (Marion) of Ft. Collins, CO; sister-in-law, Alice Schulz (Donald) of Freeland, MI; sister-in-law, Amy Wooley (Jim) of Indianola, IA; sister-in-law, Phyllis Bray of East Lansing, MI and many nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his parents, son George William “Bill” Bray, brother Jack R. Bray, sisters Patricia Inman and Delores Cook.
Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a masonic service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Brian Chace will officiate. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery with veteran honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ogemaw County Veteran Alliance, Attn: Veterans Museum at the Ogemaw County Fair or Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 East Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI 48661
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George, please visit our floral store.
George Bray, 90, of West Branch
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