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John Bray Obituary
Madison - John "Jack" W. Bray, 86, of Madison entered Eternal life on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison.
Jack was born on September 25, 1934 in Madison to Wallace and Clara (Larson) Bray. Immediately after graduating from Whitewater State Teachers College High School in 1952 he enlisted in the regular Army. He became a member of the 82nd Airborne, then the 187th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean Conflict. He jumped over 24 times and received several commendations including the Combat Infantry Badge.
Following his military service he attended the UW-Madison where he earned several degrees: B.S. Applied Math and Engineering Physics (1962), B.S. Electrical Engineering (1967), and MAJ Chemistry (1990). He was employed as an engineer with Univac Sperry Rand, served aboard the U.S. Geophysical Polar Center ship and worked for the UW - Madison, retiring as a chemist from the Wisconsin Occupational Health Laboratory.
Jack was a quiet caring person with a witty sense of humor. He especially loved celebrating holidays with family and friends, and was always giving unique items which he selected for each person, then photographing the recipient's surprise look. He enjoyed animals and birds, especially his beloved cockatiel Sassy.
He was an avid reader, researching a myriad of ideas or theories in science, history, and had never-ending questions about various newsworthy items.
Jack is survived by his siblings Colleen Reddy (Whitewater) and Tom ("T.E.") Bray (Milwaukee). He was Uncle to Mary Walker, Tom Bray, Sue Siebert, Steve Bray, Julie D'Agostini, Lynn Dickinson and Nancy Epling, and cousins Martin, Gerry, Donald, Ronald Larson and Mavis Dillehay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace E. Bray, MD and Clara Bray Reddy, RN.
A graveside service with military honors will take place at 11:00 am on October 26, 2020 at the Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated to: Clara Bray Reddy Scholarship Fund (Nursing), c/o Pam Sonmor-Wintz, Whitewater High School, 534 S. Elizabeth St., Whitewater, WI, 53190; OR Madison VA Hospital Hospice Unit, Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Attn: Community Relations 135, 2500 Overland Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, {check to Madison VA Hospital; memo CLC Hospice Unit: Memory of Jack Bray}
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Bray
4 Entries
Sue Siebert
October 26, 2020
I miss you Uncle Jack but thankful you’re not suffering anymore. You were such a bright light in so many lives! Thanks for the great memories.
Lynn Fuller
October 20, 2020
We will miss Jack´s Christmas card this year. Have not seen him in years but exchanged letters at Christmas. He was a very bright and special guy. He will be missed. Wishing him and his family Peace. Lynn and Scott Fuller.
Susan Johnson
October 19, 2020
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Jack.
Coke, being about 12 years our senior, he had to have been entertained by our grade school antics. Then, he seemed so BIG and QUIET but always with an amused smile. Later, when he would give me rides back to Madison, I learned that he had a great sense of humor and was really smart. He seemed so gentle that I was surprised to read of his military service. You all must feel so privileged to have had him as a part of your life and I know he
cherished being a part of your family.
My condolences,
Sue
T.E. (as Jack always called me) Bray
October 18, 2020
Jack was my beloved brother and I miss him very much, but know he is at peace in our Lord's house together with our mother and many relatives and friends. While sometimes suffered in his life he overcame!!
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