To everything there is a season… (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

The Life

A denominational pastor, priest and prince transitioned to the celestial city on Friday, October 28, 2022 . Born August 17, 1939, the Reverend Leroy M. Bray, Jr., the first born of five siblings to the late Reverend L. M. Bray, Sr. and Mrs. Louise Bray of Hanover County, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Dr.  Sherrilynn D. Campbell.

Reverend Bray at a young age married the late Shirley M. Boone of Caroline County, Virginia and to this union four children were added. Later in life, he was wed in holy matrimony to Cynthia M. Averiett of Akron, Ohio and to this union three children were added. The Brays made their home in Hanover, Virginia later moving to Glen Allen Virginia. Reverend Bray was an avid outdoors man who loved camping, gardening, and traveling the country with his wife.

The Lesson

As a scholar, Reverend Bray distinguished himself as a well-rounded student. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology.  Dr. Bray had conferred upon him the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Virginia. In addition to these studies, he completed specialized studies at the College of William and Mary, Virginia State University and the University of Virginia. He enjoyed teaching and preaching the Word of God.

The Labor of Love

With a Shepherd's calling upon his life, at the age of nineteen Leroy M. Bray, Jr. was licensed in 1959 by the Saint James Baptist Church, Beaverdam, Virginia. On March 18, 1962, the same church confirmed this ministry with his ordination to the Gospel Ministry.  Reverend Bray concurrently pastored and served as a teacher in the Caroline County School System where he was retired from with nineteen years of service. Reverend Bray served as pastor to three churches, Saint James Baptist Church, Mount Salem Baptist Church and Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church. He was the founder and faithfully served as Senior Pastor of the Christ Center Gospel Fellowship Church until the day of his transition. He continued to demonstrate that he loved his calling and got so much joy out of serving his flock. He loved where God placed him with this last God given assignment, The Christ Center Gospel Fellowship, and served it as if it was the only church God had.

The local, state and national affiliations with which Dr. Bray served are as follows: Past Moderator of the Mattaponi Association of Virginia; Past President of the Minister's Fellowship of Henrico and Vicinity; Past President of Virginia Fellowship of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., Past Overseer for the Northern District of the Full Gospel Baptish Church Fellowship.

Dr. Bray distinguished himself along with other personalities in the city of Richmond as "The Richmond 34" Freedom Fighters while advocating for the Civil Rights of African Americans in the City of Richmond.  He was one of the 34 brave students from Virginia Union University that staged a sit-in at the lunch counter of Thalhimers department store on February 22, 1960. They refused to leave therefore were arrested and charged with trespassing.  Prior to February 22, 2019 Dr. Bray's record had not been expunged but on that faithful day the official expungement process occurred at the Richmond Courthouse. Present, five members of the Richmond 34 were fingerprinted and had their trespassing arrest records expunged.

The Keepers of the Legacy

His memory will eternally be cherished by his beloved wife, Cynthia Marie Averiett; their children Leroy Bray III (Cindy)  Reverend Vincent Scott Bray (Beth), Reverend Eric Bray (Karen); Monique Bagley, Joseph Averiett, Jr. and Jason Averiett; his siblings Deaconess Audrey Puller, Reverend Karl Bray (Regina), Reverend Palma Dickerson (Martin) and Reverend Avanell Giles; Grands Bradley Bridgeforth, Stanley Bray, Eric Bray, Jr., Angel Campbell, Ivy Campbell, Alisa Bray and Elizabeth Bray, numerous nieces (5), nephews (6), cousins, extended family-  Christ Center Gospel Fellowship, a host of friends and ministerial colleagues.  Dr. Bray's quote "Forget the hatred, but remember the history."

A Special Tribute

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me

And I'm not here to see

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

Are filled with tears for me

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today

While thinking of the many things

We didn't get to say

I know how much you love me

As much as I love you

And each time you think of me

I know you'll miss me too

But when tomorrow starts without me

Please try to understand

That an angel came and called my name

And took me by the hand

And said my place was ready

In heaven far above

And that I'd have to leave behind

All those I dearly love

But when I walked through Heaven's gate

I felt so much at home

When God look down and smiled at me

From His great golden throne

He said this is eternity

And all I promised you

Today your life on earth is past

But here it starts anew

I promise no tomorrow

For today will always last

And since each day's the same way

There's no longing for the past

So when tomorrow starts without me

Don't think we're far apart

For every time you think of me

I'm right here in your heart.

by David M. Romano

In Lieu of Flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in honor of Reverend Dr. Bray's Legacy to:

Christ Center Gospel Fellowship
2 Chuckatuck Avenue
Richmond, VA  23224.