William "Ray" Braswell Sr.

A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers and woods, but it is a principle… and patriotism is loyalty to that principle - George William Curtis…. These words reflect Ray’s values to his country and family… William Ray Braswell, Sr. age 76 passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the Caromont Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Ray was a 20 year veteran in the United States Army and retired as a First Sergeant, serving three tours in Vietnam and was a field artillery specialist.

Later, Ray worked and retired at Freightliner for 22 years. He had many interest in life. He was an avid gun collector, hunter and fisherman. He loved NASCAR, spending time with his dog Boo, golf, four wheeling and watching Western movies. Ray was a Charter member of the UAW, Local 5285. Ray was a Freemason serving in the King Solomon Lodge #704 A.F & A.M.

Those left to cherish and carry on Ray’s legacy is his wife of 58 years, Virginia Crisp Braswell; four daughters and sons in law: Kimberly and Mark Hoyle, Tammy and Harold Dean Ivester, Tina and Jeff Sanders and Robbin Payne; two sons and daughters in law: William Ray “Billy” Jr. and Debra Braswell, Johnnie Ray and Nikki Braswell; and brother in law Torben Farris; three sisters and brother in law: Margaret Walker, Barbara Dean Raxter, Brenda and Frank Farr; three brothers and sisters in law: Marvin Braswell, Byron and Jan Braswell, Ted and June Braswell; seven grandchildren: Samantha, Colburn, Jeffrey, Terran, Mark Jr., Robbie and Jesse; eight great grandchildren; his faithful and special companions: Boo and Trip; and his military brother and sister: Jerry and Pearl Cates.

Ray was the son of the late Johnnie H. Braswell and Lessie Wynes Braswell. He was preceded in death by one grandson Tyler Green; one sister: Naomi Rogers, two brothers: Gerald and Johnnie Lee Braswell; one sister in law: Ruby Braswell; three brothers in law: Jack Walker, Gene Raxter and Pete Rogers.

A Life Well Celebrated ceremony will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, June 13, 2017 in the Chapel of Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive,

Gastonia, North Carolina 28054. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Peace at Gaston Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or www.woudedwarriorproject.org

A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Caromont Regional Medical Center for their professional care.

If you wish to make expressions of love and share fond memories, please visit Ray’s guestbook at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to be serving the family of Ray Braswell.