Kim Harper Bray

Coach Kim Bray ran her final home run on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. She was 61 years old and fought cancer courageously for many years. Her final days were spent in the comfort of her home surrounded by those she loved most.

Kimberly Suzianne Harper was born in Elberton, GA on September 22, 1964, completing the family of Tommy Thornton Harper, Sr. and Martha Ann Dewberry Harper, and joining older siblings Tamelia Ann, Tommy Thornton, Jr., and Kyle Presley. After the untimely deaths of their parents, the Harper children were raised by their grandmother, Corrine Mozelle Thornton Harper, for whom Kim had the utmost respect and admiration. Kim’s strong faith that carried her throughout life was instilled in her by her grandmother and her church family at First Baptist Church of Elberton.

She married the love of her life, Timothy Douglas Bray, on March 3, 1990. Their family grew to two sons, Timothy Chaz and Harper Cole, and two grandchildren, Timothy Cyrus and Esther Lou. They were undoubtedly Kim’s most prized possession and she loved them dearly.

Kim’s early education was obtained at Samuel Elbert Academy until she transferred to Elbert County High School during her freshman year in order to have better access to sports scholarships to help fund her collegiate education. She starred in both softball and basketball during her high school career, setting many records along the way. Kim was elected by her peers as 1981 Homecoming Queen. 

She graduated in 1982 from Elbert County High School and attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA on a basketball scholarship from 1982 until 1984. Kim transferred to Murray State University in Murray, KY on a basketball scholarship where she played from 1984 until 1985. She then transferred to Lander University in Greenwood, SC on yet another basketball scholarship where she finished out her collegiate sports career. Kim graduated from Lander in 1987, having obtained a bachelor’s degree in Health Recreation and Physical Education.

While at Lander, she played point guard on the women’s basketball team and led the team in assists and steals. At the encouragement of Coach Doug Spears, Kim started playing fast pitch softball. She was named to the NAIA fast pitch softball All-American team three years, in which she had 157 career hits and a career slugging percentage of .683. Kim was inducted into the Lander University Hall of Fame in 1999.

Her love of sports followed her throughout life. She shared her vast knowledge of athletics with countless youth in Elberton and beyond, by coaching softball, basketball, and track for more than 25 years. Kim was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 35, cancer at age 50, and cancer again at age 60. Despite her health challenges, she continued to serve, coach, and inspire her family, friends, and neighbors with the same determination and selflessness she carried with her throughout her life. Coach Bray touched the lives of countless people on and off the field, mentoring them and giving them the tools to become better players and people. Proverbs 18:24 reads, “a person that has friends must show themselves friendly.” She lived that scripture daily and her character gave her the unique ability to make everyone feel special and seen.

Kim was a hard worker all of her life. She began working at Sports World during high school and worked there all throughout college. She later worked at Torrington before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Kim later worked as a paraprofessional for the Elbert County School System before becoming the Director of the Elbert Memorial Hospital Wellness Center from June 2000 until December 2012. She was instrumental in the success of the family business, Bray Granite Company.

In her free time, Kim loved digging in the dirt just like her grandmother. She took pride in her many flower gardens, and never missed an opportunity to share cuttings with her friends. Always keeping her eye open for the next best thing, Kim loved antiques and shopping for them. She was generous almost to a fault and gave some of the best gifts ever. Christmas was a magical time for the entire family because of Kim’s special touches.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Tim Bray; sons: Chaz (Caroline) Bray and Cole Bray; grandchildren: Cyrus and Esther Bray, all of Elberton, GA; brothers: Dooley (Myra) Harper of Anderson, SC and Kyle (Teresa) Harper of Vanna, GA; mother-in-law, Martha Bray of Dewy Rose, GA; sisters-in-law: Rhonda Thompson of Hartwell and Candy Yeargin of Elberton; nieces and nephews: Hillary (Jeff) Dobson, Thomas (Chelsey) Harper, Megan (Mark) Parrish, Hogan (Anniston) Harper, Blake Thompson, Jessie Yeargin, and Evan Yeargin.

Kim is preceded in death by her parents, Tommy and Martha Ann Harper; grandmother, Corrine Harper; sister, Tammy Harper; and father-in-law, Howard Bray.

A Celebration of Kim’s life will be held on Sunday, October 19, at 3:00p.m. in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Elberton, officiated by the Rev. Gary Purvis. A reception and time of visitation will follow in the church’s ROC building. Burial will be private in Forest Hills Memorial Park. The service will be live-streamed on the First Baptist Church Facebook page.

Honorary pallbearers will include Clark Thompson, William Payne, Robert Higginbotham, Steve Higginbotham, Jeff Haynes, and Willie Mayhue. The Elbert County High School Class of 1982 will also serve as honorary pallbearers.

Kim’s love of sports ball started at a young age. At the age of 8, she travelled on her bicycle from Sunny Acres across town to the ball field to be able to practice. She often said if it weren’t for Beefy Eaves and the Little League program she could have never been successful. For this reason, she requested, if desired, contributions be made in her memory to Elbert County Little League, Post Office Box 457, Elberton, GA 30635. Flowers will also be accepted.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Coach Kim Bray.