Retired SMSgt. Terrence Frank “Terry” Bray Sr., passed away peacefully September 15, 2020, ten days shy of his 78th birthday. He was surrounded by his family. Terry was born in 1942 in Liverpool, England to Frank and Winifred Leece. Mr. Leece was a pilot in the RAF and died during a training mission. Winifred remarried Patrick M. Bray, an American serviceman, and brought a young four year- old Terry to the United States. The family settled in Front Royal, Virginia and had a home on West 14th Street across from the Dofflemyer family. Terry and Barbara Dofflemyer became high school sweethearts and would marry on December 1st, 1962.
After becoming a naturalized citizen, in 1962 Terry enlisted in the United States Air Force and would serve his country honorably for 24 years. Terry served several tours of duty throughout the U.S. and the world, including Turkey, Germany and Southeast Asia. Terry would receive the Bronze Star and numerous Commendation and Meritorious Service awards throughout his career. Terry and Barbara moved to SW Florida upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1986 where he began a second career working for the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office. He retired from Lee County in 2004.
Terry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara A. Bray nee Dofflemyer; his daughter, Teresa W. “Wendy” McCabe, of Punta Gorda; his son Terrence F. “Terry”, Jr. and his fiancée, Tiffany L. Bergman of Illinois; granddaughter, Quinci L. McCabe and her fiancé, Adam Fulmore, along with her father Gary E. McCabe, Jr. of Ft. Myers; his grandson, Cameron P. Bray, and granddaughter, Jessica H. Bray, along with their mother, Lynn A. Bray, of Illinois.
Terry is also survived by his siblings, Michael R. Bray of Apopka; John W. Bray of New Port Richey; and Patricia W. Pusey, of Maryland. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles E. Bray of Summerfield.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33991. Terry and Barbara were 30-year members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The viewing will be followed by a short service. Terry will be laid to rest by his family at the Sarasota National Cemetery with full military honors.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.11.6