Frederic Edouard de Bray, III 1929 – 2014
Fred was born in Atlanta, GA to Aida and Frederic de Bray, II. He attended both Georgia Military Academy (now Woodward Academy) and Boys High (now Grady High) simultaneously so he could graduate early. He was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean conflict and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant while serving as a forward observer.
Fred met his wife, Anne Markwalter, while they were both working in downtown Atlanta. He often joked that he married her in 1955 so that she would stop stealing his car! Fred worked for the Atlanta Journal/Constitution and retired after 20 years of service. In his "retirement" he established the property management company, de Bray Properties, which he ran until finally retiring (this time for good) in 1998. He and Anne moved to Mineral Bluff, Georgia, to escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, where they enjoyed their final years. Their spiritual lives were fulfilled as charter members of Faith Presbyterian Church of Blue Ridge.
Fred's love of life was never diminished by the concept of age. Those who experienced his joyous laughter, his off-kilter humor, his enthusiasm of everything motorsports and his overall zest for life will surely miss him. Fred's love, caring and devotion to his family and friends was unmatched. Fred is survived by his five children and their spouses – Frederic and Marilyn, Julianne and John, Vincent and Cara, Elizabeth and John; Lauren and Dan. His eleven grandchildren – Grant, Taylor, Ron, Robert, Max, Danielle, Raleigh, Dawson, Alex, Aaron, and Isaac.
A memorial service will be held at the chapel of Henry-Cochran Funeral Home 3911 Appalachian Hwy., Blue Ridge, GA on Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 am with Reverend James Simpson officiating. The family will host a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 56 Mountain Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105