William Richard Bracey

March 23, 2019

William Richard Bracey, Sr. died peacefully on March 23, 2019 at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Aldersgate in Charlotte, NC.

Richard, the son of Clarence Bracey and Cornelia Rose Moore Bracey, was born September 2, 1931 in Lumberton, NC. He spent most of his childhood living in Rowland, Greensboro, and Fayetteville.  Richard graduated from UNC (class of 1952) with an AB Education and was certified to teach history and social studies.  He completed his Masters in Education Administration from ASU (class of 1963). 

From childhood, Richard yearned to be a musician like his mother and grandmother.  At 17, he formed a band with high school friends who played at Ft. Bragg on weekends. Before the age of 20, he joined a Big Band where he earned the name “Woody” while playing the clarinet.  Richard played clarinet with the Marching Tar Heels while a student at UNC.  Upon his UNC graduation, Richard took his first teaching position in Laurel Hill where he also started and directed the band.  He sang tenor in the choir, directed the choir, and/or played the piano throughout his adult life at Presbyterian Church in the Church In the Pines Presbyterian Church (Laurel Hill), Newland Presbyterian Church (Newland), Ashpole Presbyterian Church (Rowland), and Rowland United Methodist Church (Rowland).

Richard was a life-long educator.  He devoted his career to public education and was called to work with children. Richard’s first principalship was at Laurel Hill High School.  He moved to serve as the principal of West Montgomery High School in 1964.  He opened the new consolidated Avery County High School in 1968 and served as its principal for 10 years.  Richard also served a 7-year stint as principal of Newland Elementary. Richard retired from public education in 1985 from his principalship of Banner Elk Elementary School.

Richard was a member of the Lions Club for over 50 years, many of which were served in a leadership role. He was a life-long Tar Heel supporter and enjoyed going to football games, where he would always march with the alumni band each Homecoming.  Richard was a Deacon and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church.

Richard and his wife, Anna relocated to The Carriage Club in Charlotte, NC in 2016 and were members of Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Richard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anna Hart Bracey.  In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by two sons:  William Richard Bracey, Jr. (Sharon) and Stanley Clarence Bracey (Catherine) and granddaughters Emily Bracey, Mary Clare Chinery (Alex) and Caroline Bracey.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Stephen Bracey; a daughter, Katherine Hart Bracey; and a sister, Rose Ellen Bracey McGuire.

A service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held March 27, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. in the Covenant Presbyterian Church Chapel with the Rev. Grady Mosely officiating. The family will receive friends in the church parlor after the service.   Interment in Montezuma, NC will be private.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Richard’s career of education, memorials can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Crossnore Elementary School Ministry, 1000 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC  28204.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Susan Serrill Lowe

    My condolences to Bill and his family. Bill sure has his Daddy’s smile. Although I did not know his dad, I’m sure he was a wonderful man. May God bring comfort to the family and friends.

  • Eleanor Kalnik

    Anna and family, This is a wonderful photo of Richard! Just the way I will remember him and his quiet, caring ways. I'm so glad we shared meals, conversation, and fun here at the Carriage Club. I thank God for placing us here, dear Anna, and for our friendship. Knock on my door any time. You are in my prayers at this difficult time. Hugs, Ellie

  • Ken Lancaster

    I was saddened to hear of Richard's passing. I grew up in the same neighborhood in Fayetteville a few doors from his parents home which I later sold for the family. He was a fine gentleman who never forgot his Fayetteville friends. My prayers are with the family.
    Kenneth Lancaster, Jr.

  • Weeks Parker

    Richard and I were members of the Fayetteville High School Band. Richard was also a member of the Weeks Parker, Lamp Lighter's, Blue Star Orchestra that played for dances at nearby Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Richard played piano in my orchestra. On page 111 of the 1947 edition of the Fayetteville High School yearbook called The LaFamac, there are 2 pictures of Richard. The first picture shows him as the assistant director of the Blue Star, Lamp Lighter's Orchestra of which I was the director. The second picture shows the orchestra with Richard at the grand piano. Richard was one of the finest musicians I have ever known. He was a brilliant pianist, and I was proud to have him as my assistant.

    Weeks Parker
    [Former Presbyterian Junior College Band Director]

  • Pam Ellis Jameson

    What a pleasure to have known Mr. Bracey. He was always a gentlemen. He was my principal at Avery High and thanks to him, I was able to serve on the Morehead Scholarship committee for UNC. An honorable, Christian man now Heaven bound....

  • Leigh Ann (Franklin) Russ

    Mr Bracey touched my life during high school in such a positive way. Such a good and honorable man, he was. He will be missed by many. I am so fortunate to have known him.

  • Anthony Blalock

    A great man and a true friend and supporter of his students. Thanks for your guidance.

  • John and Wilma Pinter

    Our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, your father. We wish we'd known him better.

  • Tina Odom

    I knew him from Avery High he was a wonderful person so blessed to have known him.

  • Judy Laws Shomaker

    I have a deep appreciation and fond memory of Mr. Bracey who was the Principal when I was in high school in Avery County. His love for music impressed me as I was ready to pursue a career in music education upon graduation. His ability to name almost all students by name let us know he cared about us. After graduation, he still called me by name every time he saw me. His kindness was contagious. I know he will be missed. Remembering the entire Bracey family as you grieve the loss of this Special Man.
    Judy Laws Shomaker