Larry Nelson Bray

Hamptonville Mr. Larry Nelson Bray, 81, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Bray was born October 19, 1935 in Yadkin County to Columbus and Mattie Nance Bray.  He was a veteran of the US Army and the US Army National Guard.  He worked 34 years before retiring from Thomasville Furniture, where he coached softball for several years.  After retirement, Mr. Bray started building cabins and barns which turned into another full time job.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and trips to the coast.  Mr. Bray will be missed by his many friends and family members. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bray was preceded in death by a son, Terry Lee Bray.  He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Merel Gray Bray; two sons, Mitchell (Kathy) Bray and Andrew (Michelle) Bray; two grandchildren, Cameron and Nathan Bray; two sisters, Dorry (Lewis) Honeycutt and Fairy (Lester) Brast; three brothers, William, David, and Buddy Bray; and multiple nieces and nephews.  A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00PM, Sunday, September 17, 2017 at Dennyville Baptist Church with Rev. Dwayne Byrd and Rev. Joel Riley officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by NC National Guard Honor Guard and Yadkin VFW Post 10346.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00PM at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse, Hurricane Relief, PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to their neighbors and friends for the visits, prayers and love given to them during this difficult journey. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Jonesville is serving the Bray family.