Charlie Steve Bray

Charlie Steve Bray, 70, of Jay, Florida, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at the Jay Terrace. Steve was born in Brewton, Alabama, to Charlie and Bertie Bray, but grew up on the family’s farm in Jay. Steve was the youngest of five children. His parents were farmers like many in the community, and the children had a very active role in working on the family farm. This is where Steve acquired his lifelong love of the land and outdoors. Steve began his school days in 1949, at Jay Elementary, and completed them when he graduated from Jay High School in 1961. Steve enjoyed playing high school football for the Jay Royals. He only had that privilege during his senior year because of his prior responsibilities helping his parents and siblings run the family farm. Steve was a talented and tough nose guard and was named All Escambia River Conference for the 1960-1961 season by the Pensacola News Journal for his outstanding football accomplishments. Steve joined the United States Marine Corps in 1961 before graduating high school. Steve performed his duties as a combat engineer until his honorable discharge in October 1965. In March 8, 1963, Steve was united in marriage to Carol Cecilia Bell, and they have been married for 50 years. Steve and Cecilia have two children, Mitzi Bray Dixon and Derek Steven Bray. They have the blessing and joy of being Grandparents to five beautiful Grandchildren. Steve loved to spend time with his grandkids. Steve had many jobs over the years, from farmer to working the oil fields. In 1975, he went to work for Jay Peanut Farmer’s Cooperative. He started out as the assistant manager and was later promoted to manager. Steve retired in December 2010 after serving 35 years to the Alabama Farmers Cooperative and the surrounding farming community. In 1996, Steve was awarded the E.P. Garrett Award naming him CO-OP Manager of the Year 1995 in recognition of outstanding service to Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative, Inc. and dedicated service to Alabama Farmers Cooperative. Steve was also awarded the Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative, Inc. Annual E.R. (Rass) Youngblood Memorial Award for his many years of unselfish service to the community on November 13, 2008. Steve’s life philosophy was always “hard work and dedication”. When he was not managing the CO-OP, he was busy operating his own farm. In his few hours of off-time, he enjoyed working in his hunting club, tending to his pond, gardening around his home and spending time with his grandchildren. Steve was a member of the Jay Church of Christ. He also enjoyed worship services at the Jay Terrace during his time spent there. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Bertie Bray, his sister Peggy Clifford, and nephew, David Levins. He is survived by his wife, Carol Cecilia Bray; his daughter, Mitzi Bray Dixon and her husband, Dr. James R. Dixon II; his son, Derek Steven Bray and his wife, Misty Lowry Bray; five grandchildren, James-Richard Dixon III of Tuscaloosa, Al., Jordan Savannah Bray of Auburn, Al., Allison Paige Dixon of Cullowhee, NC., Makenzie Caroline Bray of Jay, Fl., and James Henry Dixon of Brewton, Al. He also leaves his brother, Billy (Helen) Bray of Jay; his sister, Patsy Fulmore of Pace, Fl., and JoAnn Bray of Jay. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well. The family would like to extend thanks to the caregivers at The Terrace for their attentive and gentle care. They would also like to express their gratitude to Emerald Coast Hospice for their tender care. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at Jay Funeral Home with Terry Wasden officiating. Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors. Active pallbearers will be his nephews and brother-in-law, Doug and Randy Fulmore, Roger and Bart Bray, Greg Levins, and Johnny Wasden. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons and great nephews, James-Richard and Henry Dixon, Bradley Bray, Charlie and Calvin Feldt, and Kyle Levins. A visitation will be held 6-8 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at Jay Funeral Home. The family is accepting floral condolences