Mr. Cleophus "Bug" Bray Jr.

Cleophus Bray Jr., was born December 27, 1950, in Jefferson County, Alabama, to Maybelle Beckham and Cleophus Bray Sr. The family moved he and his sister Mattie to Saginaw when he was a toddler. His Aunt Earlie Mae Baker and her husband Eddie Baker played a major role in his upbringing. This included giving him the nickname, ‘Buggsey’. He often talked about his teenage years, living in the ‘Projects’ with Miss Mattie Darby and her children, James, Johnny, Lewis, Oscar, Charlie, Mattie Marie, and Eddie Lee. Around this time Cleo began amateur boxing with the Golden Gloves Association. Cleophus attended Saginaw Public Schools including Arthur Eddy Jr. High and Arthur Hill Tech. He also attended Delta College to advance his skills as an electrician. He obtained employment with General Motors in January of 1969, retiring March of 2012, after 42 years of service. During this time Cleo also began his own business, C.B. Electric. While attending Arthur Eddy Jr. High, he met Claudette McClain. The two married on July 26, 1969. To this union three children were born. Sheeke, Toya, and DeBronson. Summer road trips were important to him. He wanted his children to see and experience various destinations within the United States. Places visited included, New York City, Niagara Falls, The Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and New Orleans. Cleo enjoyed fishing and hunting with his father and father-in-law, Mack McClain. Before his father became ill, they enjoyed playing checkers together. When family gathered a strategic game of pool, or dominos with his sister Mattie, and stepfather OB were always included. In 1973, Cleo and Claudette began studying with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, becoming members of the Saginaw East Congregation. Acquaintances developed into lifelong friendships, some lasting over 40 years. Always willing to lend a hand or help however needed to those he loved, his memory will be cherished by his wife of 53 years, Claudette, his children Shonda and Cleophus D. Bray, Brentoya (Vincent) Breamsy. Grandchildren Ondreana (Jaylen) Phillips, Genesis Floyd, Vincent ‘TJ’, Madison, and Vintora Breamsy. Great-grandchildren, Santiago, Carter, Serenity, Jayla, and Zariah. Nieces and nephews, Sherry, Thomas, Roger, Rita, Theotis, Melissa, Constance, Tracey (Tameca), Wardell (Tiffany), Tylinda, Pamela, and Kaniesha Lawrence. Byron Holiday, Brandi (Quincy) Hayes, Gary, Mack, and April McClain, and Estrella Carreras. Sister-in-law, Linda Veasley, brother-in-law, Gary (Elsa) McClain. Special cousins, Gilda (Hilton) Jackson, Finley Fuller, Barbara Brown, Carolyn and Rosie Bray. Special friends, Houston (Elaine) Jackson, Curtis Manzie, Willie T. Coleman and Maurice Green. Neighbors, The Durhams and The Wickers. Cleo was predeceased by his parents, Cleo Bray Sr., Maybelle (OB) Ferdinad. Sister, Mattie Lawrence, and brother, Eddie Darby. Aunt and Uncle, Earlie and Eddie Baker. Parents-in-law, Mack and Marie McClain, Brothers- in – law, Ronnie and Duane McClain, Al Holiday, and Robert Veasley. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 6025 Shattuck, Saginaw, MI 48603. Brother Al Harrell will officiate. Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Evans & Browne's.

Mr. Cleophus "Bug" Bray Jr.

December 27, 1950 - March 24, 2023