Sam Bray

SAM BRAY - Samuel Arias "Sam" Bray, age 92, of Columbus, MS, passed away January 8, 2025, at his residence. Visitation will be Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with a memorial service immediately following at First Baptist Church, 3000 Bluecutt Rd., Columbus, MS, 39705, with Rev. Kevin Cuthbertson officiating. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. 

 Sam was born September 2, 1932, in McCullough, AL, to the late Samuel Atlas and Roberta Wise Bray. He graduated from Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette, AL, then served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Agerholm. Sam graduated from Auburn University then worked for Shell Oil Company as an accountant in New Orleans, LA, and Jackson, MS. Later, he was employed with the IRS before joining T. E. Lott & Company where he was a CPA and partner, retiring in 2012.

 One of the many admirable attributes Sam had was one of generosity. He was thought of as a “quiet giver,” often donating his time to many charitable organizations and helping individuals without fanfare. In his later years, Sam especially enjoyed woodworking, building furniture and repairing old items. He also built an untold number of bluebird houses that brought him great joy to give to family, friends and neighbors. Sam always loved spending time together with family, especially with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, often spending time with them in his woodshop, building whatever they asked him to make.

 Sam was a long time member of First Baptist Church where he served in numerous roles, including being chosen as a Life Deacon and serving on many mission teams doing storm cleanup and construction. He served on various boards including the Herman Hazel Owen Foundation and the Anna Grace Love Foundation, and was a member of the Columbus Host Lions Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Hallard Samuel "Hal" Bray, four brothers, and three sisters.

 Sam was a devoted husband and is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Hastings Bray of Columbus, MS, along with daughters, Emily Bray Rachiele and her husband Robert of Germantown, TN, and Roslyn Bray Winterhalter and her husband Gene of Midlothian, TX, daughter-in-law, Anita Bray of Memphis, TN, sister, Elaine Bray Dobson of Carrollton, GA, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missions or Building Fund at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 7580, Columbus, MS, 39703, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.