James Clifton "JC" Clinton Bray

J.C. Bray, 94, of Sunset Drive, Siler City, died Wednesday, November 30, at the UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill. A native of Chatham County, the son of John Harrison and Carrie Gee Bray, he was born on April 7, 1922, was a 1942 graduate of Siler City High School, and was employed by Smith and Buckner Funeral Home in Siler City for more than 50 years. J.C. was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Siler City, where he served in various roles including service on the deacon board, the finance board, treasurer, and chairman of the house and grounds committee. He was a member of the Siler City Masonic Lodge #403, where he served as treasurer for a number of years. He was an avid hunter, and especially enjoyed going on early morning hunts with his friends and bird dogs. J.C. was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Sonia P. "Marie" Bray; his parents; and by his brothers and sisters, Leatus Bray, Clestor Bray, Fleta Shaw and Dot Hough. He is survived by his "special Emerson children", Grace Terrell of High Point, Jack Emerson of Fancy Gap, VA, Pam Zich of Springfield, VA, and Melody Emerson of High Point, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Smith and Buckner Funeral Home Friday, December 2, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 3, at 11am at First Baptist Church, Siler City, with Rev Tony Capehart, Rev. Jim Wall, and Tommy Emerson officiating. Burial will follow at Brush Creek Church cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Siler City. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.