Greg Bray was born on May 8, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri at St. Mary’s Hospital to Leo R. and Sandra Baker Bray. He had an older sister, Paula Diane. Later he was joined by two sisters, Dana Michele and Kayla Sheree. In 1965, his mother and siblings moved to Lowry City, MO where Greg grew up and attended school. He loved to listen and watch the trains go by and explore the creek both moving near their home. Later, he helped his grandfather, Leon Baker, farm and raise cattle. He loved riding tractors. In 1972, he was joined by three step siblings: Jim, Mark, and Libby Braithwait. He graduated from Lakeland High school in 1977. He served in the United States Air Force for four years and was Honorably discharged in 1983.
After his service, he attended Northrup Aeronautical Institute and DeVry Institution. He loved airplanes, wiring all the components to make motors work.
The most rewarding and the most significant of all his experiences was attending Sharon Baptist Church, in Lowry City listening to the gospel preached by his grandfather. On reflection of his life and his death this takes precedence, because there is a “time to live and a time to die!” In January 1971 while attending a revival meeting, he was saved following the commandment of Jesus to repent and be saved.
The night he was saved he stayed home because he had a sore throat. Because of the urgency, his mother went home and brought him to church explaining to him on the way, “Jesus was passing this way” and he needed to be there. When he entered the church, he was met by the Holy Spirit and began to cry and from his heart asking God to save him. This Time and Place of repentance took place in the aisle between the second and third seats of the church. He laughed and laughed. Those of us who knew Greg all his Life never had or since knew Greg to have joy and peace or laugh as he did. His grandfather, the pastor asked this question: “Greg, why are you laughing?” Greg replied, “ I received a new football today, but it is not because of that!”
Because of that Time and Place, and the Promise of Jesus of eternal life for those who repent, that night has meant everything to those who loved Greg knowing that they shall meet him again in Heaven.
In the lonely early morning hour of March 8, 2026, in a small cubicle of space, number 12 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room, his soul took its heavenly flight to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ while his earthly body remained. His final journey reunited him with those who were waiting in Yonder Heaven’s Realm: His dad, Leo Bray, his stepfather Charles E. Braithwait, his grandparents Elder and Mrs. Leon Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Bray. At this momentous hospital event, his mother and Uncle JD sat while visiting in grief, peace came because of the remembrance and knowledge of Greg’s Salvation.
He leaves behind those who are determined to carry forth the principles and doctrines that give us joy and peace rather than hopelessness and despair: his son, Brandon and wife Brittney and two daughters, Lola Jane and Clementine; his daughter, Crystal Kay Riego and her husband, Russ; his son, Russell Gregory. His mother, Sandra Baker Braithwait, his sisters and their families, Paula and Steve, Dana and Gino, Kayla and Patrick, and his stepmother, Alice Bray. An aunt, Beverly Dull and her family, uncle JD and Candi Baker and their family, and aunt Marilyn Baker and son and other cousins.
He will be laid to rest at Wright’s Creek Cemetery among the many generations of ancestors that have left a rich heritage and legacy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation or the Henry County Historical Society.
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