Raymond Calvin Braden

Raymond Calvin Braden – age 77, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on November 3, 2025. He loved the Lord and served as pastor of many Baptist churches through the years. He proudly served his country in the US Army during Vietnam. He retired from the State of Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs. Following retirement he provided love and care for his wife, Stella Bridges Braden, until her death in 2022.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Stella Bridges Braden; father and mother, Ernest and Ethel Braden; brothers, Charles Braden and David Braden; and sister, Vesta Flynn.
He is survived by his sons, Terry (Starla) Bridges and Dennis (Kim) Bridges; daughters, Vicki Easterday and Melanie (Alvin) Loveday; brother, Louis (Carol) Braden; sister, Reba Braden; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Bridges Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Luke Kidwell and Rev. Richard Nicley officiating. Immediately following the service, family and friends will process to Greenwood Cemetery for a 3:00 PM Interment, with honors presented by Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard.
Pallbearers: Carl Tilley, Brian Bridges, Alvin Loveday, John and Bobby Lewis and Kenny Moody.
Honorary Pallbearers: Mike Barbee and John Briggs.
A special thanks to Brian, Tiffany and Lauren for their love and support to their grandparents, and to his son-in-law, Alvin Loveday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 22122 Knoxville, TN 37933 or Cox View Cemetery, 7117 Lyngate Blvd., Powell, TN 37849, with checks made payable to Wayne Mitchell.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com