Beloved father and grandfather, Gerald (G.J.) Bragg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2, 2020. Even in the reality of death, Gerald exemplified the Christian faith and hope that he spent a lifetime sharing.
Gerald was born to the late Homer and Edwina Bragg of Low Gap, Alabama, on February 10, 1934. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1951. After his conversion at the age of seventeen, he fully committed himself to his life-long calling in pastoral ministry. While still in high school, Gerald began preaching in area churches.
He became a conscientious scholar, whose passion was to study and rightly divide the Word of God. Dedicated to this goal, he continued his ministerial studies at South Eastern Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama.
He served churches in Birmingham, Jasper, Tarrant and Anniston, Alabama. His ministry was inspired and sustained by his rich prayer life, his deep understanding of the Word, and his unceasing intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Those who knew him can testify to his personal integrity, genuine kindness, generous giving and overflowing love for the Lord.
As an ordained pastor and elder, Gerald was committed to the Bible Methodist Conference and Christian School. At the conference level, he served on the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees. He served as a General Conference Delegate and was valued for his parliamentary law expertise. He provided legal assistance to the conference, churches and schools. Along with his wife, Peggy, he invested his personal resources and gifts for Christian education advancement, along with serving as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Bible Methodist School.
Gerald was a man of many interests, who aspired to be both knowledgeable and proficient in whatever he was doing. He was a skilled carpenter, avid fisherman and competent airplane and car mechanic. His God given talents and gifts were used to bless and mentor others.
On March 6, 1953, Gerald married the love of his life, Peggy Emogene Hess. As a man of steadfast principles, Gerald dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to follow the Lord’s leadership. He was affectionately known as “Granddaddy” and “GranGran” to his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the delight of his life! He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who honor his godly life and memory.
Gerald is survived by his son Steven Wayne Bragg (Linda); his daughters, Aneita Faye Burroughs (John), Carol Jean Bragg, and Sharon Kaye Hamby. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Emogene; a grandson, Braxton Miles Bragg; a brother, Homer Wilburn Bragg; and a sister, Dottie Lou Williams.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 6, 2020, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, AL. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Kilgroe Funeral Home, 1750 Ashville Road, Leeds, at 11:00 AM with Reverends Walter Hedstrom, John Parker and Jon Earls officiating. One hour prior to the service, the family will greet friends. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Bible Methodist Conference for Pastor’s Benevolent Fund
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting mossservicefh.com. Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
