Charles Johnnie Bray

Charlie Bray age 93 of Hardy Va., passed away at home on Monday, March 2, 2015 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his first wife June; his brothers, Lindy, JC and Marcus; and his sister, Kate. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Hazel; his children, Lauren (Ernie), Bonnie (John), Alison (Peter), and Jeannie (James P.); stepchildren, Julia (Bill), and David (Tracy); his sister, Doris Clark; 19 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Charlie served with pride in the US Navy during WWII. He was present on his destroyer at the battle of Iwo Jima and went into Nagasaki shortly after the war's end. He then had a distinguished career with the CIA serving in several posts abroad until his retirement in 1972. After his first retirement, Charlie spent another 17 years working in the Real Estate field. In 1990 he and his wife Hazel retired to beautiful Smith Mountain Lake and spent another 17 years enjoying numerous vacations with the grandchildren at their lake home. Charlie joined the Lions Club in the early nineties and worked on many projects, earning awards for his efforts. The Harmeneers Barbershop Chorus with whom he sang bass, was another favorite activity and he and Hazel were avid bridge players. Interment will take place in Checotah, Oklahoma with his family. Tributes in Charlie's honor may be made to the Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club Scholarship Trust. Friends are invited to visit our home in Chestnut Creek on Sunday, March 8, 2015, between 12 noon and 2pm for reminiscing and refreshments.

Miss Me - But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

and the sun has set for me,

want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little - but not too long

and not with your head bowed low,

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me But let me go.

For this journey that we all must take

and each must go alone,

It?s all a part of the Master's plan

a step on the road to home..

When you are lonely and sick of heart

go to the friends we know, and

bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me - But Let Me Go..,

Author Unknown