Donald Bray Obituary
Donald Lawrence Bray (82) was born breach during a massive unexpected snowstorm in Olwein, Iowa...a vivid forecast of the 82 years of adventure that lay ahead. On January 9, 1961, he was born again. From that moment on, Christ became the center of his life and his first love forever. Raised in Chicago, Don had a lifetime love affair with the Cubs & the Bears no matter how dismal their seasons were! In fact, any sport that happened to be on TV at any time of day was his favorite!
The first day he met Joy, he was smitten! So was she! Don and Joy became one on August 15, 1964, falling more in love every day of the 61 years they shared. Over a nine-year span living as missionaries in Papua New Guinea, Don experienced dozens of miracles which he often repeated as "Don's stories:" The Thumb Story, The Waterfall Story, The Resurrection Story, etc. Those early years formed and shaped his life as he spent over 30 years in international missions. Traveling to over 80 countries, he was often welcomed as "Uncle Don" by the children, as "Dr. Bray" by church leaders. He never cared about titles, preferring simply to unconditionally love each person he met. His authenticity and occasionally offbeat sense of humor enabled him to deliver "bad news" or needed correction so gently that it was usually received with grace. His leadership was marked by fearless innovation, focused resolve, and infectious optimism.
Over the past 18 years, he obtained a new title: Pastor Don. His wisdom, life experience, and teaching added value to countless lives connected with Christ Fellowship Church in southeast Florida. But by far the greatest joy and pride of his earthly life were his six children, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Grandpa Don dunked his grandkids in the pool, took them camping, told corny jokes, and made them feel like rock stars. His amazing, diverse family is his greatest legacy. They will miss him every day.
Don's Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Fellowship, 10250 SW Village Pkwy, Port St Lucie, FL 34987 at 4 pm on Sunday, September 28.
Memorial donations may be made to any of the following:
Christ Fellowship Church
https://www.christfellowship.church/give#give
Please choose the Missions Fund
OR checks may be sent to Christ Fellowship Church, Attn: Contributions, 5343 Northlake Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. Please note Don Bray in the memo.
World Hope International
https://worldhope.org/give/hope-fund/
Global Partners, The Wesleyan Church
https://wesleyan.my.site.com/donorportal/s/projects?p=1&term=Png
FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy) Society
https://www.fshdsociety.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 Entries
Keith and JoAnn Hinton
Earlier today
We are saddened at the passing of Don, yet we also rejoice that he has victoriously finished the race God set before him. He truly was a giant for the cause of Christ. His life has had a powerful influence on many and we are among that vast number. Our prayers are being lifted for Joy and all the family.
Thomas Geary
Yesterday
I first met Don as a guest speaker at CF men's
Friday breakfast fellowship at Smith Chaple. His stories of life missions always showed God's grace & mercy in his life. Til we meet again.
Jerry Pence
Yesterday
Hosting missionary guests in our home was a special privilege as a local pastor. My wife Calene and I first met Don Bray when he visited our church in Concordia, Kansas in the mid-1980s. I still recall him at our dining room table, trying to teach us and our two sons how to count to ten in pidgin, the trade language he learned in Papua New Guinea. Looking back now, it marked the beginning of a friendship to span the next 40 plus years, as our paths began crossing more and more frequently-professionally and personally. Don became a mentor and colleague as we worked together in denominational leadership roles at Wesleyan Church World Headquarters. His unique laughter and insightful wisdom both were part of countless business meetings, retreats, conferences, coffee breaks, and Christmas parties. Calene and I rejoice over memories of Don and Joy helping us and other friends start a new church in Fishers, Indiana, and an unforgettable trip we shared with them in Japan and South Korea. Our hearts are full of gratitude for Don´s faith and faithfulness, as well as sorrow for Joy during her temporary separation from him. Together, we look forward with hope in Christ to our resurrection reunion in heaven.
Jim Dunn
Yesterday
Don was a choice servant of our Lord. He was relentlessly and kindly focused on advancing the Kingdom of God. I am better for following Jesus with him, being friends with him, and traveling the globe for our Lord with him. My prayers are with Joy and your entire family!
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Carla Taylor
Yesterday
My fondest memories of Pastor Don were at the evening prayer meetings in the sanctuary at CF Gardens. He opened our eyes of the loving Father God and showed us how to see him as Abba Father.
Also shared the seriousness and power we can call on to cast out demons. Witnessing this first hand built my faith to be all that God has gifted me to be.
Wonderful man of God and so glad that he impacted my life and so many others.
See you again someday.
HC Wilson
Yesterday
My sincere condolences on the loss of Don here coupled with praise that he has been "promoted to Glory" there, to borrow the term from the Salvation Army.
Don followed me as DS in the Delta District and years later I followed him as General Director at GP. Being joined in ministry across the years revealed a man fully devoted to the Master, the mission and the Gospel mandate. He also held his wife Joy and their extended family deep in his heart and always in his prayers.
Jerry Gerber
September 13, 2025
In the spring of 2022 as I neared retirement, I asked Pastor Don if he would mentor me through the transition. Pastor Don very generously agreed. For several sit-downs in his office I brought ideas and questions, and Pastor Don shared solid biblical perspectives, life wisdom, and lots of stories to guide me. He was so gracious in sharing, and saying he enjoyed our times. In one story of a personally financially challenging overseas missions trip in which Pastor Don observed another missionary had much better organizational support, he chose to fully surrender his concerns and totally submit to God's will and plan. I honor Pastor Don for his generosity, wisdom, and selfless, committed service to God, to so many, and personally even to me.
Don Glenn
September 13, 2025
It was my privilege to know Don and Joy first as friends and then as co-workers in the Kingdom. It was an honor to visit and serve with them while they were actively ministering in Papua New Guinea. I'm glad friendships don't die, they are looking-forward-to-the-next-reunion. Prayerfully caring for Joy and the family.
Hailey shuldiner
September 13, 2025
Hey don was the best man I ever met with joy at Christmas fellowship in palm beach gardens with my mom and rip
Norman Wilson
September 12, 2025
Don was my brother-in-Christ, my mentor, my colleague. and my friend. The years that I served in Global Partners under Don's leadership had a huge impact on my life and ministry. My wife Kim and I have many wonderful memories that we deeply cherish. Our hearts go out to his wife Joy and his children, who are continually in our prayers.
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