S. Norman Bray

1944 - 2023

S. Norman Bray, 79, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away on Jan. 30, 2023 at the Jane and Bill Warner Center for Caring.
Norman was born on Jan. 26, 1944, in Bishop, Ga., to the late Leroy and Mary Bray. He grew up in Athens, Ga., and graduated from Athens High School in 1962.
In 1967, he graduated with a BBA from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), at which time he entered the United States Army and served a tour in Vietnam. Also in 1967, he married his wife of 55 years, Jane Pinkerton of Franklin, Tenn. After serving in the United States Army, he and his wife returned to Athens, Ga., and he was enrolled in the University of Georgia Graduate School.
In 1972, he accepted a job opportunity with the young Sea Pines Company on Hilton Head Island, S.C. This was the beginning of his long career in resort and real estate development. In 1990, former Sea Pines Company colleague and friend, Jack Healan, invited Norman to become the Executive Vice President of The Amelia Island Company. He worked at the Amelia Island Company until he retired in 2011.
He was the first ever Commissioner from Nassau County to be appointed by the governor to F.I.N.D. (Florida Inland Navigation District). He served in this role for eight years.
Norman was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer. He loved to make people laugh, share his beautiful voice and strum his tenor guitar. On Hilton Head Island, he enjoyed being a member of a barbershop quartet and community theatre. Since a young boy, church music was always an important part of expressing his faith. He proudly served the Lord by sharing his talents in church choirs and as a soloist. He was honored to be invited to sing at various ceremonies. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Norman leaves behind his spouse, Jane; two children, Melinda of Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Ben, and his wife, Patty, of Jacksonville, Fla. He was blessed with four grandsons, Brayden Smith, and wife Autumn, Connor Smith, Evan Bray and Davis Bray.
A celebration of his life will held be at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach Building Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley Heard Funeral Directors