Jimmie M. Bray

Mr. Jimmie M. Bray, age 81, of California, passed away at his home, peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. He had fought a long battle with cancer. Jimmie was born December 2, 1937, in Vienna, Mo., son of Millard Anderson Bray and Orpha Irene Jesse Brown Bray. His father preceded him in death in 1968, and his mother in 1999. Jimmie attended school in Vienna, Mo., graduating in 1955 with honors. He played basketball in high school and was valedictorian of his class. Jimmie earned a full scholarship and attended Rolla's School of Minds majoring in chemical engineering. On February 11, 1984, he married the love of his life, Sylvia Lynn Hall and from this union they were blessed with two sons and eight grandchildren. Jimmie was manager of Jimmie's Drive-In in Jefferson City until 1962, when he moved to California and opened Jimmie's Drive-In. Many of the locals remember him for his broasted chicken and onion rings. In 1976, Jimmie sold his drive-in and later worked at Von Hoffman Press. He retired from Surplus Property, State of Missouri in 2003. He was also owner of Jimmie's Salsa and co-owner of Hall's Flowers. Jimmie was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church, Vienna, Mo. He was in the National Guard. Jimmie was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals plus a fan of the Chicago Cubs. Maybe better said, Jimmie was a Harry Caray fan. Jimmie enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and cooking. He was an avid reader but his greatest love was spending time with his family. Jimmie is survived by his wife, Sylvia and the two sons of their union, Joshua (Sarah) Bray, Jefferson City and Jeremiah (Taylor) Bray, Jefferson City along with eight grandchildren, Adyson, Jacquelyn, Madelyn, Jaydyn, Kinsley, Brantley, Elaine and Phoenix. From previous marriages, he is survived by a daughter- inlaw, Gloria Bray, Lake Ozark; two sons, Douglas Bray (Jennifer), Lebanon, Tenn. and David Bray (Julie), St. Louis, Mo; one daughter, Shelia Carney, St Louis, Mo.; six granddaughters; two grandsons; several great-grandchildren; one sister, Anna Mae Snodgrass, Vienna, Mo.; one brother, Ellis (Jackie), Eldon, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Ginger (Dennis) Henry, Four Seasons, Mo., Cindy (Mike) Boxberger, Manhattan, Kan. and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jimmie was preceded in death by his son, Roger Bray; four sisters, Helen Oppermann, Jeanne Cobble, Dorothy Bray and Elaine Bray; two brothers, Brethal Bray and Lonnie Bray and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leland R. and Winona M. Hall. Visitation will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2019, at California United Methodist Church. Funeral services will directly follow. Interment will be private for the family. Arrangements are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, MO 65101. (573) 636-2424. Condolences may be made to the family at www.WoodsMemorialServices.com