[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 151 (Tuesday, October 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF MAYOR JEROEL D. ``J.D.'' BRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 11, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Northwest Florida's beloved Jeroel D. ``J.D.'' Bray.
  Born in Jay, Florida on December 25, 1919 to H.H. ``Hub'' and Alice 
Bray, J.D. spent his childhood with his brothers, Charlie, C.H. 
``Chab,'' and Raymond; and his sisters, Beatrice, Mattie, Myrtle, and 
Maudie, helping out on the family farm and playing sports. He attended 
Jay High School and played football, baseball, and basketball.
  J.D. Bray was a true patriot, and when his country called him to duty 
during World War II, he responded with honor and distinction. He 
enlisted in the United States Army in 1938 and upon completion of basic 
training, was sent to the Panama Canal. Later, as a member of the 
infantry, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. J.D. earned the rank of 
Sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 1945.
  When he returned home, J.D. worked as a lineman with the Escambia 
River Electric Cooperative, and in 1952, he married Theda Warrick in 
Pascagoula, Mississippi. They bought and operated a local service 
station, and J.D. later joined the Santa Rosa County Road Department in 
Northwest Florida, where he retired in 1988. Throughout the course of 
his life, he understood and exemplified the true meaning of public 
service. As an active member in the Jay community, J.D. served as a 
City Councilman from 1954 to 1956 and then was elected to serve as 
Mayor. For 44 years, Mayor Bray held the position and assisted in the 
growth of the town's infrastructure through his invaluable leadership 
and unwavering dedication. Aside from his career, Mayor Bray was a 
member of the American Legion, past Commander of Edeker-DuBose Post 121 
in Jay, a 32 deg. freemason, and a member of Red Rock Masonic Lodge #96 
in Munson, Florida.
  Mayor Bray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Theda; three 
children, Debbie (Michael) Gilley, Cheryl Bray, and Stewart (Maria) 
Bray; his grandchildren, S.J. Bray and Meghan Gilley; great-
granddaughter, Tristan Bray; and his sister, Myrtle Bray.
  To some, Mayor Bray will be remembered as a courageous member of our 
armed services who answered the call of duty during one of our Nation's 
most trying hours; to others, he will be remembered as a successful 
farmer, gardener, and a regular at the peanut co-op. He was a 
distinguished public servant, volunteer, and soldier; however, above 
all, Mayor Bray was a true family man. More than anything, J.D. enjoyed 
spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors, and he loved 
cheering his Florida State Seminoles to victory. Northwest Florida 
mourns the loss of a true leader, and his service to the community and 
this Nation will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________