Franklin Marshall Bray

Published 5:01 pm Friday, April 9, 2021

Franklin Marshall Bray, 58, passed away peacefully in his home in Midlothian on March 28, 2021. Born on Feb. 24, 1963, in Suffolk, he was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Maurice M. Bray and Henrietta D. Bray; and his brothers, Maurice M. Bray Jr. and W. Bruce Bray.

Frank, born with Down Syndrome, attended Suffolk High School through 12th grade. He brought endless joy to his family and friends with his infectious personality. He shared his unconditional love and embraced each day by living in the moment. His loving and devoted mother paved the way for Frank to enjoy a life full of opportunities. In 2000, Frank moved to Midlothian to live with his sister and begin new adventures.

Frank valued family, friends, his guitar and music, church activities, books, the OBX, traveling, going out to eat and reading anything about Andy Griffith. His favorite memory was meeting Andy at the OBX. Frank had a kind spirit, spread love everywhere and had no tolerance for anyone unkind.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed imitating late-night comedians. He embraced anything with law, which led him to be an active volunteer on political campaigns. Frank had a quest for knowledge, was insightful, and pursued his dreams with determination. He was honored by the North Carolina Senate as “a man dedicated to sharing himself and his gifts with his family, community and church.”

Frank is survived by Marilyn Bray, his sister, whom he dearly adored. The family has expressed gratitude to everyone who loved and supported Frank, especially his close friends and the Woodlake United Methodist Church community, all of whom he considered to be his family. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Eric Haacke-Golden, his friend and physician.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22, in the Holly Lawn Cemetery in Suffolk. The family has requested that attendees observe COVID-19 precautions with a mask and social distancing. As music spoke to Frank, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the music program at Woodlake United Methodist Church, 15640 Hampton Park Drive,
 Chesterfield, VA 23832. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory at 509 W. Washington St. is serving the family.