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CARTHAGE, N.Y. — Gerald Duane “Jerry” Bray, 76, of Emjay Way, died peacefully early Friday morning, January 21, 2022, at his home under the care of his wife, Paulette. He was born on November 27, 1945, in Watertown, N.Y., to the late Basil Lehmon and Arloine Louise “Peg” (Patterson) Bray. He is predeceased by several siblings, Marge Shepard, Edna Burda, Marilyn Matice, Bonnie Hardy, Glenn Smith, William Smith and Barbara Bray.
Gerald attended Carthage High School and later went on to serve in the United States Air Force from February 14, 1963, to February 14, 1969.
Jerry was employed for D.L. Reed, spent most of his career as a truck driver and diesel mechanic in Carthage, and his most recent job before retiring as a lumber mill deliverer for Yosemite Builders in Merced, Calif.
He volunteered at “Elizabethton Senior Citizens” since 2009. He was a member of the Carthage Conservative Mennonite Church, Carthage, N.Y. He was a lifelong member of the Bassett-Baxter American Legion Post #789 and was a foster parent for over 20 years. Hobbies include fishing, hunting, boating and volunteering at the S.C. with some of his friends. He was most known for his caring nature and always helping those in need.
He married Paulette Doris Perfetto on March 19, 1982.
Jerry is survived by his wife Paulette of 40 years, Carthage; several children, Mary Lou Widrick, Lowville, Gerald “Jerry” D. Bray Jr., Lowville, Martin L. Bray of South Carolina, Christopher Bray of Tennessee, Amanda Bray of Tennessee, Anthony Bray of Tennessee and Andrew Walters of Tennessee; and several siblings, Marlene Cutler of South Carolina, Bernard Bray of South Carolina and Richard Smith of Tennessee; along with 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 25, with Rev. Dave Haldeman officiating at the Carthage Mennonite Church, located at 20295 County Road 45, Carthage, NY 13619. A graveside service with interment will be in the Sand Hill Cemetery, Natural Bridge. Visitation will be held at the Carthage Mennonite Church on Tuesday afternoon from noon until 2 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., located at 500 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619. Online condolences in his memory can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com