Alvin Braly, 95, of Florence died Friday, December 05, 2014, at his residence.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at Elkins Funeral Home from 1-2 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2 PM in the Chapel, with Rev. Kevin Johnson of First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
Like so many of his generation, Mr. Braly served his country during World War II; with the US Navy in the Pacific Theater. After service, he attended Florence State Teachers’ College (now The University of North Alabama), where he met and married Fredda Bostick; later receiving his graduate education at Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. He was a committed educator in the Florence and Lauderdale school systems, beginning at Rogers High School in Greenhill, and continuing at Gilbert Elementary in Florence, where he taught sixth grade; later serving as principal until 1980. He was a man of many interests, which included cooking, entertaining, his close family and multitudinous friends, his church, and, especially gardening, all of which he pursued with great passion and success to the day he died. Above all, he was a gentle man; bestowing and nurturing kindness, joy, and beauty in all he found, and to all who found him.
Mr. Braly was preceded in death by his wife, Fredda Braly; sisters, Imogene Coffey, Hazel Kraus, and Helen Blackshear; brothers, Edwin Braly, Neal Braly, James Braly, and Lynn Braly.
He is survived by his son, David Braly (Mark Montoya); sister, Sue Gamble (Clyde); Morris Braly (Yvonne); nieces and nephews, Dwight Brawley, Pam Coffey, Brenda Sulzby, Tom Blackshear, Susan Crowell, Morgan Braly, Jeannie Braly-Real, and Shannon Braly.
Pallbearers will be Gary Kelly, Keith Williams, Tom Blackshear, Larry Crowell, Greg Tankersley, and Stacey Barnett. Honorary pallbearers will be the Mens’ Breakfast Group, First Baptist Church of Florence.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.
You are invited to sign the on-line guest registry at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.
