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Joseph Bragg Obituary
Joseph Walter Bragg, Jr., 87, died at his home in Gainesville, FL. on July 13, 2009.
Born in Oak Hill, WV on April 9, 1922, he was the son of the late Joseph Walter Bragg and Lura Gladys Campbell Bragg. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Coast Guard in Texas and the Philippines. After the war, he married Mary Elizabeth Boone, who preceded him in death last year. They were married for 61 years and were truly devoted to each other. Mr. Bragg graduated from Concord College with a degree in music and obtained a master's degree in music from Marshall University. Teaching young people was his passion and his career spanned 43 years and 3 states: Montana, West Virginia and Florida. He was a high school band director for the majority of his teaching career. After retiring from 33 years in the Dade County Public Schools, he moved from Miami to Gainesville, FL. His hobbies were spending time with his children and grandchildren, genealogy, traveling and gardening. He was a former district manager of the Lion's Club of Pineville, WV and a former member of the Emerald Society of Miami, FL. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Gainesville, FL.
He is survived by his daughters, Beth Bragg Baumez and her husband, Robert, of Winter Haven, FL, Leigh Anne Bragg of Greenville, NC and his grandchildren, George W. Selby, III of Ayden, NC, Rebecca Baumez Myers and her husband, Tommy, of Merritt Island, FL, Katie Baumez of Ft. Pierce, FL and Bobbi Baumez of Winter Haven, FL, as well as many dear family members, friends, and former students.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, 32653 in his memory.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 17 at 10:00 AM at the chapel at Trinity United Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 4:00 PM at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Bluefield, WV.
Arrangements are entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home, Cemeteries, and Crematory. Please sign our guestbook at www.forestmeadowsfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Bragg
Shannon McCullough Paul
July 22, 2009
I graduated in 1981 and after almost 30 years, can't remember many of my teachers. EXCEPT Mr. Joe Bragg! He will live in my memories of high school, marching band and Cobra Charmers forever. Rest in peace, Mr. Bragg...you will never be forgotten!
Celia Kiffor
July 21, 2009
I worked with Mr Bragg at South Miami Senior High, for a number of years. In fact, we even shared a room one year. I taught Health Education; and,since rooms were scarce, he and I shared the Chorus/Band room...........We are all very sad to hear of his death; and, I especially wanted his family to know what a special part, his part, as music director, played in the lives and memories of faculty and students at our school.............Sending you all my deepest sympathy.
Melissa Boone Lee
July 20, 2009
Leigh Anne and Mary Beth,
So sorry to hear about Joe. I had intended on coming to Bluefield to Joe's service, but something came up. Leigh Anne I sent you a personal email letting you know why I was not there. So sorry to have not been able to attend, I felt like I should have been there to represent the Boone's, being the only surviving child of Roy and Hazel's. I have so many fond memories of Joe and Elizabeth coming to visit during the summer. I especially was fond of Joe since my first love was band and I can remember him asking me to get my baton and do a routine for him there on our patio and how he would praise me. PLease get in touch with me and Leigh Anne once you can get the chance, check your personal email.
Love to the both of you
Your cousin,
Melissa Boone Lee
Sue Adams
July 19, 2009
Mr. Bragg took a "rag-tag" bunch of students at Pineville High School and worked with us until we turned into a wonderful marching and concert band. He saw to it that we were able to compete locally and statewide in band competition with our heads held high. Libby, his wife, also was always there for us. You both are among my fondest memories. Thank you for your friendship and guidance.
SUE BLANKENSHIP ADAMS
CLASS OF 1955'
July 18, 2009
Mr. Bragg, Was the best teacher that we in Pineville,W.V. school band could ever have. I am so glad that he and Mrs. Bragg were at the 50th.class reunion last year. What good memoris we all have. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
PAT FRANKLIN STONE
.
Steven Rasmussen
July 16, 2009
You have my deepest sympathies. Mr. Bragg is the only teacher that had impact on me in high school. I pray God grants you comfort in this difficult time.
Steven Rasmussen, Class of '83
phyllistine dean
July 16, 2009
"Mr. Bragg you really truly touch my heart. you inspired me in so many ways. Without you i wouldnt have come to love music and marching band. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. Phyllistine Dean Miami, Fl. SMH MARCHING COBRAS CLASS OF 89.
Kim Ridley Workman
July 16, 2009
It is with my deepest sympathies that I offer my condolences to the family of Joseph Bragg. He was a wonderful and loving man who touched so many lives. I am so sorry for your loss and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Arturo Pirela (Class of 95)
July 16, 2009
I was deeply saddened when I learned Mr. Bragg passed away. I really wanted to see him one last time and regret the fact that I never took the time to do it. He was as loyal and caring a person could be. He would defend you even when he knew you were wrong. And it’s true, he made such a lasting impression on all of us... Like he used to say, "Ooooh eeeh!" I'm proud to say he was my band teacher! Mr. Bragg you'll be missed.
Tony Rolland
July 16, 2009
Mr. Bragg,
Thanks for all your patience with me. You had a very strong impact on my life and I think you dearly for it.
To the Bragg family,
Thank you for sharing him.
Tony Rolland
Class of '76
Alex Fraga
July 15, 2009
My condolences to the Bragg Family and everyone that he came in contact with. My prayers are with you. Mr. Bragg is the type of person that will live on forever because he made a difference in the life of so many people and we are all better for it. Thank you for all the great memories. South Miami Senior high Class of 96.
July 15, 2009
rest in peace Joe we love you thanks for giving us your best
jose lastra
July 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tony Lopez
July 15, 2009
Wow ..if it wasnt for Mr . Bragg ...i wouldnt be doing what i do now..he pushed me to the limit to be the best musician and person ..thinking back when i was in the front door of the bandroom and him telling me to go to class...jajaj...Go to Class dumb bird! he was great i thank him for trusting me in the position of leadership in the band. Im a better musician today because of his influence
it wasn't easy being in command but it sure did pay off years later to do what i do now. i remember him busting a couple of us hiding in the drum room..we would laugh and he would send us to class but at the same time he would laugh too...he was a great leader .sometimes over the top but he was firm and direct.i will never forget the lessons he thought us. Im thinking of going tomm to gainville if anyone wants to go let me know..
God bless him and his family
thanks
TONY LOPEZ-Drum Major (class of 1995)
[email protected]
3053458736
Carmen Escobar
July 15, 2009
We worked together for four years with all those kids and we had some great times and not so great ones too. I will always remember Mr. Bragg for all the good information he gave me when ever I had to get together all those Car Wash and Donuts and Cookies sales to race funds for trips for the kids.
May you rest in peace.
Carmen Escobar (Surf Heredia's MOM)
Karen Rubio
July 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I, personally, have many wonderful memories of Mr. Bragg. Being a Cobra Charmer was the best experience I had in high school. Mr. Bragg was instrumental in teaching us to always strive for excellence. It was blessing to have had a chance to experience his leadership while he was the Marching Band Director. I'll never forget him and his lessons on life.
My Sincere Sympathy,
Karen Varas (Class of 1995)
Raquel Abreu
July 15, 2009
My high school memories revolved around the Cobra Marching band and there isn't a time when friends reminisce about high school that the name Jo Bragg does not come up. Thank you for making such a lasting impression... you will always be a very special man. God Bless you and your family now and always.
South Miami Senior High C/O '94
Lidia Argote
July 15, 2009
My deepest and most sincere condolences and may God be with you and your family at this time of grief.
I spent 4 years in the South Miami Sr. Marching Band and it is one of the best memories I have and will always cherish. Mr Bragg was a wonderful teacher and will be missed dearly by me and many others.
My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
Lidia R. Argote, Sotuh Miami Senior High class of 1990.
Carrol Hurley Ullrich
July 15, 2009
He was my band director over 50 years ago, and as late as last October, he was still as spunky as he was in 1955! All of his band members at Pineville High School in West Virginia loved him, til the end. Rest in peace, Mr. Bragg.
Paula Carbon
July 15, 2009
Graduated from South Miami Senior High in 1994. You will always be in my heart Mr. Bragg. The Years I spent in the Cobra Marching Band are some of the most memorable years in life. Thank you for all you did. My prayers are with the Bragg Family during this difficult time.
July 15, 2009
Your Music and Passion will Live with us for Ever as well as the Legacy you left behind at South Miami Senior High School.
R.I.P. from the Class of 1979
TAPS
Alina Argote
July 15, 2009
I graduated from South Miami Senior in 1991. I had Mr. Bragg for music theory. He taught me about doing my absolute best in whatever I am passionate about. I will always remember him for his "no nonsense" style and integrity. By these, he showed his constant love and genuine concern. He will always remain in my memory and heart. My prayers go out to his family. Alina Argote (Miami, FL)
Himerio Argote
July 15, 2009
Mr. Bragg was one of the best teachers I had. May God bless you and your family through these hard times and always. I know he will be missed by many.
With my condolences,
Himerio D. Argote, South Miami Senior High class of 1992.
Dawn Neureuter Skoglund
July 15, 2009
God bless you, Mr. Bragg. Thank you for allowing me to be one part of the Cobra Marching Band. You had a tough exterior but a soft heart on the inside... My heart goes out to the Bragg family during this difficult time.
Frances Gronlier-Diaz
July 15, 2009
Graduated from South Miami Senior High year 96. Mr. Bragg was and still is a great man. For all his spunk in the end he loved music and anyone who was in the room knew that. My condolences to Mr. Bragg's family. My prayers are with you.
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