Walter E Bragg III

Walter E. Bragg III of Oro Valley, AZ, passed away unexpectedly and suddenly on Friday May 30, 2025, at the age of 76. Walt was born in Abington, PA, to the late Edith (Montgomery) and Walter E. Bragg II. He was a graduate of William Tennent High School, class of 1967.

Walter is survived by his wife Geraldine L. (Granteer) Bragg, son Mike Bragg and granddaughter Elin Bragg, son Jeff Bragg (Amber) and grandchildren Kambria and Tanner Bragg who gave him the endearing title of “Sampa” which he loved being called. He was preceded in death by his son in 1972 Shawn S. Bragg at only 5 days old and by his only daughter Dana L. Bragg Cosgrove at 46 years old in 2020. Walt will also be missed by his sisters Sue Bragg Nice (widow) and Judy Bragg Pruitt (Bill) and brother Russ (Angie), along with nephews and nieces.

Walt served in the Air Force from 1968-1972 serving from the heat of Panama to the cold of Minot, ND. Then transferred to Offutt AFB in Nebraska until his discharge. He married Gerri and they started to raise their children in Iowa but eventually moved to Southern California in 1978 for 40 years. They retired and moved to Arizona.

After the military, Walt was a dedicated and committed sales representative and account manager for most of his career. His authentic ability to connect with others and supportive approach brought tremendous value to his clients and left everyone feeling like they had been old friends or part of his family for years. He spent close to 30 years at Pollard Swain and The Soco Group Inc and was a top sales rep year after year that was driven by his values and love for his family.

Outside of work Walt lived and breathed family and sports. In his kids’ early years, you could find him on the sideline or dugout volunteering his time coaching every sport they played. In his later years, he then became the proudest grandfather cheering on his grandchildren in softball, baseball, football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, taekwondo and swimming. As any true Philadelphian, the Phillies and Eagles hold a special place in his heart, as they say, “It’ a Philly Thing”. In his retirement years, taking a dip in the pool and caring for his garden became some of his favorite activities.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his services on Thursday June 12, 2025, at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ, 85712. Viewing from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, followed by a service from 12:30 – 1:30 pm, along with a graveside service at 1:30 – 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at www.dav.org or to Homes for Our Troops at www.hfotusa.org.