Obituary of Dan William Bray

Dan William Bray was born August 31, 1926 in Fountain City, Tennessee. He was one of four children born from the late Nelson W. and the late Martha Mae (Bolton) Bray. Shortly after completing high school, Dan volunteered his service by joining the United States Navy during World War II. He proudly served his country through July of 1946, obtaining rank of Seaman First-Class. He continued his education by attending class at the University of Tennessee.

Dan met the love of his life, the former Mary Myers, and they married on July 9, 1970 at the Free Methodist Church in LaSalle.   Together the couple shared in the adoption of a beautiful daughter, Darlene. Dan worked hard to support his family. For thirty years he worked on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company in Monroe, finally taking retirement in 1982.

Dan received his spiritual nourishment through Monroe Missionary Baptist Church where he was a proud usher and an active member of JOYS - Just Older Youth’s. He cared for his family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. He had a kind, gentle personality which made him a friend of many. He was truly proud of his grandbabies and loved watching them grow.

Dan enjoyed being outdoors and all that nature had to offer. Hunting in his younger years and tinkering on cars. He enjoyed gardening and simply staying active and busy.

Dan William Bray, age 91 of Monroe passed away at 2:05am at Wellspring Lutheran Services, he was under the care of ProMedica Hospice. In addition to his parents, his passing is preceded in death by his beloved wife: Mary on April 6, 2017; his sister: Ann Dozier; and brother-in-law: Gene Russell.

To cherish his memory, Dan leaves his daughter: Darlene (Anthony) Vicari of Monroe; a sister: Doris Russell of Monroe; a brother: Don (Sharon) Bray of Tennessee; and two grandchildren: Linnea Vicari and Joseph Vicari of Monroe.

Friends may gather from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 11:00am with Reverend Roy Southerland, pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating.   Burial will take place at 1:00pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.