Carroll Bray
Carroll Bray, lovingly known as Jimmy and “Big Papa”, 87, of Malvern passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. He was born November 23, 1935, in Malvern, the son of the late JD and Myrtle Gage Bray. Jimmy served in the United States Army and the Arkansas National Guard. He was the oldest living member of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Malvern and also a member of Bray Hunting Club. Jimmy was the owner of Bray Bedding, and still worked part time at the time of his death. He loved spending time with his family, friends, and church family. He was quite literally the definition of a “people person”. He never met a stranger, and always invested in relationships. If you were his friend, he considered you family. Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Carol Keeling Bray and two brothers, Johnson Bray and Lloyd Bray.
Survivors, son, Todd Bray ( Kim) of Magnet Cove; daughter, Angie Ledbetter ( Monty) of Malvern; four grandchildren, Tyler Bray ( Ragen), Taylor Bray ( Jessica), Madison Wilson ( Conrad) and Makenzy Ledbetter; five great grandchildren, Baylor Grace Bray, Briar Bray, Brynlee Bray, Jaxson Bray, Gideon Wilson and baby girl Wilson coming soon; six siblings, Norma Hughes ( Charles), Pat Jordan, Becky Orr ( Al), Deleta Bray Lawrence, Jack Bray and Marsha Tanner ( Charlie) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9 from 6: 00- 8: 00pm at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1427 Jefferson Street, Malvern.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10 at 2: 00pm at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Todd Bray, Brother Tyler Bray and Brother Carroll Koon officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be all the kids that he has mentored over the years, whether at the races, church, deer camp, work or family events.
Since the graveside service will be at a later date, the family would like to invite you to stay for a time of fellowship, immediately following the services in the church fellowship hall.
Memorials can be made to Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 92, Malvern, AR 72104.
Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guestbook at regencyfuneralhome. com.