Melvin J. Bray, Jr.

Melvin James Bray, Jr, was born October 24 1944 in Washington, DC, at Freedman's Hospital.  At that time, the family lived in Fairmont Heights, MD, even though his siblings, Joan and Marion, attended school in Washington, DC.  When Melvin Jr was four years old, the family moved to Washington, DC, after a law was passed that said you must be a resident of the District to attend the public schools.  Thus Melvin received all of his formal education in Washington, DC.

As a young boy, Melvin was a cub scout and altar boy at the former Incarnation Catholic Church in Deanwood.  While in high school, he became very proficient at playing the trombone.  He continued to play into early adulthood.  The love of jazz it stirred in him, lasted throughout his life.  

As a young man, Melvin held several jobs.  Driving the Washington Star paper truck took him to all the little towns in Maryland and nearby Virginia.  He learned so much about the area during his travels.

Learning became very important to Melvin, and he never stopped seeking knowledge.  When he drove tours for the bus company, Melvin always researched historical information and places of interest in the areas he was going.  He really enjoyed both the research and the sharing of information with the people he drove.  Even outside of work, he simply loved to drive.  He called it his meditation.

Melvin moved to Roanoke, VA, with his wife Muriel due to a job transfer.  There Melvin Jr became "Farmer" Melvin, like his mother's father before him.  His thumb was green, and he made food grow.  He also loved fishing, the same as his father, Melvin Sr.  

Melvin Jr took on the role as protector of the Bray family after the death of his father.  Melvin always managed to visit his mother, Sarah Hawkins Bray, when his travels put him near DC.  His mother's friends would tell her that they didn't call on her whenever they saw a big bus parked somewhere nearby, because they knew her son was visiting her.  Muriel and Melvin visited frequently.  There were certain foods that they liked that were only available in DC or Maryland.  

Melvin and Muriel became members of God's House Baptist Ministry.  This church met his needs, and he enjoyed participating fully in the church community.  He also enjoyed his wife's family and their embrace of him.

Melvin had such a hearty laugh.  His life was filled with many contentments.  He loved his wife; he adored his grandchildren; he was proud of his son; he was thoughtful regarding his family; he was loyal to his friends; he was attentive to his work; and he was committed to his church community.  Memories of who he was and how he lived will continue on in the hearts of those his life touched.

We don't question what the Lord has done.  We know that Melvin is no longer suffering.  Dear God, give us courage.  Strengthen us with Your love and grace.  You are our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in distress.

Melvin Bray, Jr, is survived by his wife of 36 years Muriel Bray, his son Melvin III (& Leslie) from his first marriage, his grandchildren Jaya, Kari, and Melvin IV, and his sister Marion (& Leslie) Hedrington.

Nieces: Darlena Noland and Sharon Brice; 

Nephews: Darrell Humbles, Vernon Humbles, Cedric Hedrington;

Cousins: Pamela Scott & Family, Ivy Doris Johnson & Family, Sheila Hawkins & Family, Shirley Onduze & Family, Dr. William "Tony" Hawkins & Family, Glen Hawkins, Patrick Hawkins, and Wanda Hawkins & Family;

Numerous great nephews, great nieces, second and third cousins, and great, great nieces and nephews;

In-Laws: Isabelle "Lucy" Gentry, Patricia "Pat" Gentry, Jean "Fay" Barksdale & Family, Dannie Barnes & Family, and Verna Hill & Family.