Thomas Edgar Bray

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William Jewell College

Thomas Bray Obituary

Tom Bray, 81, of Lee's Summit, MO, died Wednesday, July 9, 2003. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2003, at Second Baptist Church, 309 E. Franklin, Liberty, MO. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 119 E. Franklin, Liberty, and 2-3 p.m. Sunday at the church. Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2003, in Knob Noster Cemetery, Knob Noster, MO. The family suggests memorial gifts to William Jewell College, c/o the Advancement Office. Tom was born April 9, 1922, in Halifax County, VA, to David and Julia Bray, and raised in Reidsville, NC, with 10 brothers and sisters. He served in WWII, training messenger pigeons. In 1941, he was ordained to the gospel ministry. He was graduated from William Jewell College in 1949 and received theological degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. He held 13 full-time and interim pastorates in Missouri, Kentucky and Arkansas, retiring in 1996. He held numerous leadership roles within the denomination. In his later years, he was a member of Second Baptist Church, Liberty, MO. Tom was an avid ambassador of William Jewell College, where he served as chaplain/director of religious activities and, later, the alumni Board of Governors. He was awarded the Truex Award for Lifetime Alumni Service in 1998. Other interests included raising birds, judging poultry and gardening. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Martha and Dennis Green, Sarah and Larry Jacobs, Becky and BJ Moyer, Clark Bray, David Hitchcock and Sandy Bray; his grandchildren, Amy and David Jacoby, Adam Hitchcock, Nathan Jacobs, Rachel Jacobs, Julia Moyer, Kathryn Moyer, Lt. Jason Bray, Jeremy and Amber Bray, Stephen Bray, Chris Jacoby, and many "adopted" children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His caring spirit and joyful sense of humor will be missed by all who loved him. Tom's family rests in the assurance that the Lord met Tom at the entrance of his eternal rest, saying, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." (Arrangements: Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 816-781-2000)

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jul. 11, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Bray

7 Entries

Dennis Green

July 18, 2003

God has blessed me with 3 earthly fathers. My biological father who died when I was 16 years old, my step-dad who I've known and loved for 30 years and Tom Bray ("Papa", my spiritual father who led me to Jesus Christ). I remember (I'm sure others will also) his introduction of me to his friends and family by saying, "you can tell I love him, because I had a chance to drown him and I didn't". He baptized me 11 years ago. He has left a lasting impression on my life. I was never thought of as a "son-in-law" but always accepted as his son. I could talk with him about personal problems and I'd always feel better knowing that he would pray me through. During the last few years of his life (when our "hayfever" would kick up) he always reminded me that when the time came, I could rest in the truth of knowing I had not lost him, because I knew exactly where he was. His presence in our lives will be greatly missed, but the memory of "Papa" will never dim.

Martha Green

July 17, 2003

I was blessed to have this great man as my Daddy for 49 years. I have never doubted the unconditional love of God because my earthly father demonstrated it so well. My heart is broken and I cannot fathom life here on earth without my "soulmate", but I know we will be together again someday and that my work here on earth must not be done. Oh, that we will love all people as my Daddy did. That is what he would want.

Lucy Engelbrecht

July 13, 2003

Tom was a special friend and a great hugger who spread laughter and "sonshine" wherever he went. He will be missed on earth but is enjoying in his new home, no doubt.

Ed Rowell

July 13, 2003

Tom Bray was used by God to not only bring me back to faith, but was the first to suggest that God might use me in pastoral ministry. For 23 years, he has been my example of how to shepherd a flock. I am forever changed because of the love of Papa Bray. While we grieve his loss, his legacy lives on through all those who are his sons in ministry.

Ed Rowell

Leo Endel

July 11, 2003

Bro. Tom left a lasting impact on my ministry and on my family. His ministry will live on through the many he loved and guided.

Connie Spalding

July 11, 2003

Tom was a wonderful, Godly man that brought joy to everyone he touched. He will be missed!

Connie Edwards

July 11, 2003

Tom was a great man and a wonderful servant of God. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to all the family.

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