Services for Leroy Bracey were held on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007,at Temple of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, withinterment in Oakridge Cemetery in Hillside, Ill.

Mr. Bracey, 80, died Aug. 6, 2007, at Holy Family Medical Centerin Des Plaines, Ill.

Mr. Bracey was born in Bogue Chitto to Henry Bracey and LulaStowball Bracey on May 18, 1927. He devoted his life to JesusChrist at a very early age and became a member of Christian HillMissionary Baptist Church.

He attended Lincoln County Training School in Bogue Chitto untilhe was drafted in his senior year to serve in the United StatesArmy. He was positioned with the 3759th Quarter Master TruckCompany in Germany. During World War II, he served from Aug. 10,1945, to Dec. 26, 1946.

Leroy was half a credit from receiving his high school diplomawhen he was drafted. In 2000, the Lincoln County School Boardawarded him with a high school diploma.

Leroy married Eloise Sutton on Feb. 7, 1948, in Bogue Chitto.They gave birth to four children. In 1951, the family moved toChicago, Ill., and later bore three more children. Leroy and hisfamily united with True Right Missionary Church.

He was employed with Stanadyne and Company, Inc., for 31 yearsuntil he retired. At the age of 62, he worked part-time in securityfor two years, earning a certificate in law enforcement.

In 1989, Leroy and Eloise returned to their home in BogueChitto, and joined Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, servingunder the Rev. and Mrs. Pittman. Leroy served as chairman of thedeacon board, superintendent of Sunday school, and worked in thefinancial office.

After returning to Chicago in 2007, Leroy joined Temple of FaithMissionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Rev. andMrs. Giles.

Leroy was preceded in death by both parents; one child; fourbrothers; and two sisters.

Leroy’s memories will eternally remain with his loving wife,Eloise; two sons, Alan and Everett (Audrey); four daughters,Jacquelyne (Bobby), Brenda, Beverly and Bridget (James); hisbrother, Matthew Bracey; his sister, Lula Bracey Dillon; 15grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild;and let’s not forget Rock Bracey; with a special mention to alongtime friend, Y.T. Kyle; and a host of other relatives andfriends.