Julius Ray Bragg, Sr.

Bluefield, WV – Julius Ray Bragg, 82, of 711 Longview Ave., Bluefield, WV, died peacefully on Friday, June 24, 2016 at Glenwood Park Retirement Village. Born July 3, 1933, in Mingo County, West Virginia, he was the son of Homer Amick Bragg and Lula Toler Bragg. Ray lived in Mercer County for over 50 years, and during that time was very active in the community, and civic activities. Along with others, he was instrumental in forming the Bluefield Rescue Squad, an effort in which he took great pride. Additionally, he devoted his time to the Bluefield Sanitary Board; Bluefield City Board; Bluefield Elks Lodge 269; and, a 5o year member of the Bluefield-Mercer Lodge # 85 A.F. & A. M.. Ray worked for a number of years at Bluefield Regional Medical Center as an internal auditor; Peoples Loan Company (collections); and Bailey Lumber Company. He was the past owner of the Century 21 Bragg's Real Estate Company, and was a former Mercer County Commissioner. Another business venture included A-1 Bonding Company. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Melda Carpenter Bragg; three brothers, Homer “Buster” Amick Bragg, Jr.; John Lee Bragg; and, Kenneth Dwight Bragg. Surviving Ray are his children Ray Bragg, Jr. (Carolyn), Martinsville, VA; Tammy Vestal (Jerry), Barboursville, VA; and, CMSgt Danny Meade, (U.S. Air Force, Ret.) (Nancy), Bluefield, WV. Mr. Bragg had four grandchildren: Danny J. Meade, II; MSgt Ryan L. Meade ( USMC, Ret.); Jeremy H. Vestal; LCpl Justin F. Vestal, USMC; three great-grandchildren: Fernando Atello; Andrew Meade; and, Lauren Meade. Graveside services will be held on Monday June 27, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Princeton, WV with Pastor Dan Edwards officiating. The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home on Monday, June 27, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to attend the graveside services are asked to meet at the funeral home by 11:00 a.m. Ray was a longtime member of the Princeton Church of God, and attended regularly while his health permitted him to do so. Flowers are appreciated, or a memorial donation may be made, if desired to a mission organization that Ray supported and endorsed, CRI Out, Intl., Inc., 5108 Burnley Station Road, Barboursville, VA 22923. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Ray Bragg,.

Julius Ray Bragg, Sr.

July 3, 1933 - June 24, 2016