Ralph Bray Obituary

Ralph D. Bray, age 84 of Erie, passed away on Thursday March 21, 2013. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on April 13, 1928. Ralph was the son of the late Ingram W. and Ada Bray. Ralph began his career working at General Electric in Erie for ten years before becoming an independent owner operator of his own semi trucks for 40 years until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 1659 E. Grandview Blvd. Ralph's love and passion were his family and wonderful friends and he also enjoyed sharing the bible's message with others. He also enjoyed being outside in his gardens, growing all kinds of fruits and vegetables, but mostly he enjoyed his tomatoes and grapes. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two sons, Norman Hulsinger and John Hulsinger. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Johanne Marie Freeland Bray; and their six children, Suzanne Lanich; Jolene Byler (Bruce); Debbie McGill (Bill); James Hulsinger; Michael Hulsinger; and John R. Kirsch. He is further survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brother William Bray of Wisconsin and his sister Pauline Winger of Indiana. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 1659 East Grandview Blvd. Erie on Saturday March 30th at 2:00 p.m. Send condolences at www.BurtonFuneralHome.com.

Published by Erie Times-News on Mar. 24, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Just wanted to let you know that you were a great friend and we had good talks and great tomatos......

Patsy Abele

March 25, 2013

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Patsy Abele

March 25, 2013

Aunt Jo our whole family is praying for you at this emotional time. Jehovah's in charge now,as always, and we all look forward to the resurrection when we will be rejoined with our loved ones. Love you, your nephew Danny.

Daniel Ruggiero Jr.

March 24, 2013

Nice gentle man for the short time I knew him

barbara mcguigan

March 24, 2013

please accept my deepest sympathies. I worked with mr Bray many years ago at GE he helped me get my start he covered for me many times with the boss. he was a good man

bob reddinger

March 24, 2013

Ralph was a very old, and dear friend. We will miss him. Myrna and David

David and Myrna DiSanti

March 24, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin & Debbie Azevedo

March 24, 2013

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