Ronald Clay Bracken

Service Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@stjamesleesburg/streams

Dr. Ronald Clay Bracken, 93, of Leesburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025. Born in Billings, Montana, Ron grew up in Washington state and later Amarillo, Texas. He and his late wife Mary (Born) lived together in Dallas, Texas where they raised their family, later making their home in New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, and finally in Virginia. Ron’s long and meaningful life was marked by his curiosity, creativity, and devotion to those he loved.

Ron graduated from Rice University and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Purdue University, paving the way for a distinguished career in engineering and management in the semiconductor industry, notably at Texas Instruments in Dallas and RCA in New Jersey. Beyond his professional life, he enjoyed oil and watercolor painting. During his retirement, he joined the Loudoun Sketch Club where he painted landscapes and local scenes. 

He was preceded in death by wife of 62 years, Mary Born Bracken, and his brother, Douglas Bracken. He is survived by his four children – Clay (Trish), Susan (Harry) Harris, John (Anna), and Thomas (Kim) — and by his nine grandchildren: Natalie, Tyler, Jack, Sofi, Paco, Nate, Dylan, Ryan, and Rafa -- a constant source of pride and happiness.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, keen mind, and the warmth and humor he shared with all who knew him. His legacy endures through his family, his art, and the lives he touched over the years. 

A funeral service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church on October 18, 2025 at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Public Broadcasting System (PBS) or the National Audubon Society.