Donald C. Bray

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Saturday, March 2, 2024, Donald Claude Bray, 87, loving husband of Stephanie Blumer Bray.

Mr. Bray was born to the late John and Inez Bray in Statesboro, GA. He graduated from Wadley High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia State University. He was a member of Trinity on the Hill Methodist Church for 48 years. Mr. Bray was a founding member of the Trinity on the Hill Foundation Board and the Nehemiah Committee for the sanctuary renovation. Most recently he was actively involved in the Adult Couples and Singles Class and the Caring Shepherds Bible Study. 

Mr. Bray was the CEO of University Healthcare System, Inc. for 9 years. His career began in public accounting. In 1963, he joined the administration of Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children in Atlanta as Business Manager and Associate Administrator. In 1976, he became Associate Administrator of University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia.  In 1991, he took over as President and CEO of University Healthcare System until his retirement in 2000. Upon his retirement, University Healthcare Foundation created the Bray Endowment to serve the needs of the medically underserved.

During his career, he received a life membership in the American Hospital Association, was a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Trustee of the Georgia Hospital Association, a member of the Hospital Financial Management Association, a board member of the Georgia Hospital Association and a board member of the Voluntary Hospital Association of America.

Mr. Bray’s extensive community service included President of the Augusta Kiwanis Club, a founding board member of the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta, President of the Augusta chapter of the American Cancer Society, Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Division of the American Cancer Society and a board member of the Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Bray was on the founding board of Brandon Wilde Retirement Community, board member of Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, Chairman of the Augusta Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Advisory board of Wachovia Bank.

Following the death of his son Larry in 2007, Mr. Bray and his family started the Larry Bray Memorial Foundation in his memory and successfully raised funds for JDRF and University Hospital Diabetes Services with the annual Larry Bray Memorial Golf tournament. 

Mr. Bray was devoted to family and affectionately known by his grandchildren as Ddah (Deeds). He enjoyed many activities including the lake, beach, golf at Westlake Country Club and cheering on his beloved Bulldogs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife of 50 years Tommie Scott Bray and son Larry Douglas Bray. Survivors include sons: Christopher D. Bray (Kelli), Joel S. Bray (Terri), and Marshall T. Bray (Shannon); Stephanie’s children: Becky Jones (Walter), Beth Hardy (Kerry), Joe Blumer (Suzanne) and John Blumer (Valerie); brother: J. Roy Bray, Jr.; nephew: John C. Bray (Stephanie) and daughter Emily; brother-in-law: Aubrey E. Scott, Jr.; grandchildren: C.J.  Bray (Haley), Maggie Reindollar (Dalton), Scott Bray, Jack Bray (Alaina), Andrew Bray, and Tori Bray; great grandson: Bennett Bray; Stephanie’s grandchildren: Katy Ride (Taylor), Sam Jones (Shelby), Zach Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Knox Hardy, Amelia Blumer, Jack Blumer, Caroline Blumer, and Annalise Blumer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity on the Hill, 1330 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Trinity on the Hill with Rev. Scott Hearn, Rev. Roy McVeigh and Rev. Dr. Bill Cain officiating. Private interment will be Westover Memorial Park. 

Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com