William Wright Bracy

William Wright Bracy

Mr. William Wright "Bill" Bracy left this life to enter into holy peace on Monday, August 9, 2010, after a lengthy yet remarkably courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Bracy is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Betty Oliver Bracy; and his daughter, Lee Bracy and her partner, Barbara Loveland, of Gordonsville, Virginia. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Smith of Ahoskie, North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Mr. Bracy was born on December 31, 1937, and was the youngest of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Odie Lawrence Bracy Sr. and Eugenia Parker Bracy; his sister, Jenny Keel Taylor; his brothers, Odie Lawrence Bracy Jr., James Wilton Bracy, Roger Eugene Bracy and Albert Randolph Bracy. He was also preceded in death by his infant son, William Wright Bracy Jr.

Following graduation from Ahoskie High School and the University Of North Carolina School Of Business, Mr. Bracy enjoyed a successful 37 year management career with Belk in several eastern North Carolina cities. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, a member of the North Carolina Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Free Masons 0705 of Kinston, Sudan Shrine Club of New Bern, and Elks. He served as former president of the Chamber of Commerce in Washington, North Carolina, board member of the Tar River Orchestra, the Beaufort County Art and Civic Center, and First South Bank. He was also a member of the Realtors Association.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to all who were so gracious with their gifts of support, friendship, and prayer. They extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Paul Walker, Zenith Nelson, and Teresa Parent of the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center in Greenville, North Carolina, for their compassionate and skilled care during his illness. Also to the staff of Community Home Health Care and Hospice of Rocky Mount and the staff of the Hospice Inpatient Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, for ensuring Bill's comfort during the final days of his transition.

The family will receive friends from 11 until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at Johnson Funerals and Cremations, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Celebration of Life services will follow beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 100 South Church Street, Rocky Mount.

Graveside services will be held in Ahoskie, North Carolina, at Ahoskie Cemetery. Mr. Bracy will be eulogized by his daughter, Lee, and Reverend Bob Bergland. Pallbearers are Lee Bracy, Barbara Loveland, Ranny Starnes, Jerry Baker, Tony Bracy, and Terry Taylor.

Memorial contributions may be offered to First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount. Flowers will also be accepted.

Arrangements are being handled by Johnson Funerals and Cremations, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.