Dr. Charles Rhea "Pepper" Bray

Pepper was born on July 12, 1934 in Jackson, TN, the son of the late Johnny and Elma Bray. Pepper was married to Grace Gale “G.G.” Dolbeer in 1959. They were blessed with two children, John A. Bray and Anna K. Bray.

Pepper attended the Madison County Schools and graduated in 1952 from J.B. Young High School. He graduated from Lambuth University in 1956 with a B.A. Degree. He received his M.A. Degree from Peabody in 1958 and his Ed.D. in 1972 from Ole Miss. Pepper taught and coached in the Jackson Madison County School System from 1956 to 1966 and at Lambuth Unversity from 1966 to 2007, 41 years.

Pepper served 23 years in the Army Reserves National Guard and retired as Major. Pepper served on the Jackson City Council for 20 years. He was a member of St. John’s Lodge #332 for over 60 years and was a member of Kappa Sigma, Epsilon Psi Chapter fraternity for over 60 years.

Pepper was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He served as Senior Warden and on other committees. He loved his church.

Pepper was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Elma Bray; the love of his life, Grace Gale “G.G.” Bray; his beloved daughter, Anna Kathryn Bray Conder; brother, Bobby Joe Bray; and sister, Janice Bray Pearson.

He is survived by his loving son, John A. Bray and his daughter Ruthie Cait Bray; son in law, Dale Conder and wife Leigh Ann and their children, Courtney, Carly, Caroline, and Chloe Conder; a special brother in law, Dr. Richard Dolbeer of Huron, OH; and a host of very dear friends.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, please direct all memorials to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 309 E. Baltimore St., Jackson, TN 38301.

A Rite of Christian Burial for Pepper will be said on Wednesday, January 5, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in the Courtyard of St. Luke's Episcopal Church officiated by The Rev. Jeffrey Samuel and The Rev. Gayle McCarty. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. There will be no visitation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Bray family.