[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO J.D. BRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
J.D. Bray of Santa Rosa County. Mayor Bray served the town of Jay for 
forty-four years as Mayor holding the second longest reign in the state 
of Florida.
  Mayor Bray was born Christmas day in 1919 and has been a lifelong 
resident of Jay. Mayor Bray volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1939 and 
served 18 months in Europe. He risked his life for our country when he 
crossed the half intact Remigan Bridge, while being shelled, in the 
``Battle of the Bulge''.
  After being discharged from the service in 1946, Mayor Bray worked 
for Escambia River Electric Cooperative until going into business for 
himself in 1954. He owned and operated the Bray Service Station until 
he sold the business in 1962.
  He then worked for the Jay Natural Gas System during construction of 
the system and the conversion of consumer's appliances. Mayor Bray 
managed the parts department of Burns Tractor Company in 1963 and 
worked there until he accepted a job with the Santa Rosa County Board 
of Commissioners in 1968. Mayor Bray was elected to the Town Council of 
the town of Jay in 1954 and was elected its mayor in 1956.
  As mayor, Bray was instrumental in getting natural gas for the town, 
a sewer system, a second water well, a well-equipped voluntary fire 
department, Bray-Hendricks Park (named in his honor), which provides 
recreational facilities for all ages, and a new town hall. He worked to 
obtain facilities and transportation for over sixty years.
  I would also like to recognize Mayor Bray's family, who has had a 
helping hand in his success. Mayor Bray is married to the former Theda 
Rae Warrick and they have three children: Debbie Weil, Cheryl Bray, and 
Stewart Bray.
  Mr. Bray has been a part and is currently active in many 
organizations: Jay Volunteer Fire Department, Quarterback Club, Redrock 
Lodge number 96, Scottish Rite, Hadji Shrine Temple and Mustang Unit, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars and member and past commander of American 
Legion Post number 121.
  On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to recognize 
this special person for the example he has set in his community. I 
offer my sincere thanks for all that he has done for Northwest Florida.

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