Charles Collins Bray (1928-2015)
Charles C. Bray, 87, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28th, 2015 at home, surrounded by his loving family. His life was one of joy, constant adventure and great love. A man of many gifts, Charles graduated from Yale University, Princeton Theological Seminary and received his Ph.D in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, though his loyalty always remained with Haverford High School. Born in 1928 to Charles and Celia Bray, Charles began his life in the same manner that it ended, with tremendous vigor and imagination. In the 1960’s, Charles was a Presbyterian Minister at the Third Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA, where he tirelessly devoted himself to the cause of civil rights. In his long life, it seemed there was no stone left unturned. His love of life was unquenchable. He was a Professor of Social Work at Bryn Mawr College, a business owner, CEO of a shipyard and, at one point, a one star General for the Red Cross in Saudi Arabia. Charles traveled the world, sailed the seas and climbed to the highest limbs of the banana trees in Israel. It is whispered that, when he died, he held the Senior title for his family’s international bocce championship. Charles was a poet, a pastor, a passionate performer and a brilliant thinker. At the end of his life, even his delusions were masterfully designed. He is survived by his wife, Denise, the great love of his life, four children; Karen, Chip, Betsy and Wendy, his ten grandchildren; Kristi, Tycho, Echo, Lindsay, Connor, Andrew, Victor, Maya, Rutger and Jack, and his two great grandchildren; Givenci and Givano. They will forever remember him with love and much laughter.
A celebration of the life of Charles C. Bray will be held at The Barn at Silverstone located at 62 Bowman Road, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, September 5th at 1pm.