Dick Braye
July 11, 1943 ~ February 13, 2021
Wayne R. "Dick" Braye age 77 formerly of Greenville passed away in his home in Venice Florida on February 13 2021. A grave site service will be held on Tuesday March the 2nd at 11am at the Mount Auburn Cemetery. The public is welcome at this service. In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts the family requests that donations are made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Diabetes Association.
Dick was born in Nokomis Illinois to Wayne and Hattye Braye on July 11, 1943. Dick married Sherri Rench on November 18th, 1962 and had three children. Bradley, Bryan, and Dena.
Dick's second marriage occurred on April 12th 1986 to Anna Braye. At the time of his death Dick and Anna were married 35 years. Dick is survived by his wife Anna of Venice Florida, and his children Bradley of Greenville, Bryan (Jennifer) both of Greenville, and Dena (Phil) who reside in Edwardsville, IL. Dick was been blessed with multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Most people will remember Dick as the Co-owner of Genre's Clothing. Dick clothed the men and boys of Bond County for more than 28 years. Dick never knew a stranger and many times went out of his way to talk to those who were less fortunate. After Genre's closed in 1990 Dick followed his wife to Sarasota Florida, and both worked for Goodwill Industries for five years. Dick received an unexpected job offer from DeMoulin Bros. of Greenville in 1995. Dick stayed with DeMoulin's as the Customer Service Manager until 2003. Once again his wife's job took her away from Greenville to Lubbock Texas and Dick retired from Demoulin's to follow his wife to Texas. They both returned to Venice Florida as they both retired in 2013.
Dick belonged to the Greenville County Club and golf was a passion of his for many years. Dick can be best remembered as the guy you could depend on, the man who never knew a stranger and was always present with a smile. Dick loved his family very much and told them such often. He is loved, missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
He is preceded in death by both parents and an older brother, Wayne Edward.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
1402 E. College Avenue
Greenville, IL 62246
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Dick was always a good family friend and one of a kind. He will be deeply missed. Prayers to the family. The Maroon Family
Dick was a great guy! He helped me so much at Genre's. I was so tall and skinny but he really tried to find jeans for me to wear and always so funny and friendly. Godspeed Dick.
Dick and I have been friends for nearly 70 years and he served at my wedding in 1961. I will always miss his mischievious-infectious smile. Charles & Emma Brashear and the MGHS Class of "61".
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and PRAYERS. MARY (SPARLIN) GREEN
My sympathies to the family. Such w gregarious man. Always a smile on his face. I will never forget as a youngster going to Genres to buy clothes for school and the last thing he'd do was sniff, sniff and then ask if we needed any under ware. As a kid it always got a laugh.. every year. Dick was one of a kind. RIP my friend.
My Deepest Sympathy for your loss Prayers
I want to wish my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Anna, Dick's children, grandchildren, and extended family. Dick was rarely without a smiling face, a good natured joke, it a humorous story or anecdote. Space restricts my from saying enough about Dick. He was a family friend for as long as I can remember. I never forget how good he was too my and my family. God Bless to Dick's family. John David Hoppy Hopkins
My condolences to the Braye family. As a teenager I had the privilege of having Dick as one of my bosses at Genre's clothing store. I learned so much from his gentle style of treating customers. Everyone was special to Dick. He was sincerely interested in taking care of their clothing needs but he also had a ready ear to hear their concerns about life in general. So many times I recall people coming in the store just to visit with him – nothing to do with clothing. They would huddle in hushed tones as Dick listened to their concerns and offered a good word and a pat on the back. I will forever remember his customary greeting of a huge teethy smile and wide open arms that just took you into his circle. He was a good friend and mentor. Craig Tidball
Dick was a great friend to my family and many others. The great times of fun and laughter will last forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Don and Iris Miller
There are not enough words to say what Dick meant to Greenville and to many people. The square was alive when Dick was there, and when I look around the square today, and every day I think you can feel his absence. He knew the size of every person that came in to that store. and what they would like to wear. Even though he was color blind, no one could put a tie with a suit better than Dick. Although, he would often do a quick walk by and say, "Does this look ok?" The only thing he liked that I could never get on board with were the sansabelt slacks by Jamar Ruby. 100 % poly and threw sparks when you walked in them. He loved those things. I spent seven years working for him, and it was the best education I could ever have received. I have tried my entire life to copy his penmanship and I know I will never be able to match his skill. He is also responsible for all the less than appropriate rhymes that run thru my head for any number of situations. But they always make me chuckle! When a customer would would arrive at the store, just as we were pulling the racks in from the sidewalk, and ask if we were still open – his response was always the same "Why you know us, we may doze, but we never close", and this usually meant we would be staying for a while longer. He was happy to do it, and those of us who were lucky enough to work with him were happy to stay too. Thanks for the memories Dick. I guess you can close now. Tom Sandifer
Had many good times in Florida with Dick. RIP my Friend Terry Burke
I have many memories of Dick Braye. The first, was he was a good friend of my dad, Don Elam…I think dad still owned Purity Cafe when Dick would visit and drink coffee…and of course, mingle with everyone there. 😉 I believe I bought a suit from him for my high school graduation ceremony, 1979. And a few years later, rented a couple of tuxedos in two wedding ceremonies with 2 good friends of mine. I worked for DeMoulin’s for 22 years (1988-2010), and I was so glad to have Dick working there (I was a driver there, of marching band uniforms, and also took many people to Lambert Airport many times, and I believe I took Dick a few times. My dad and Dick were golfers, and I believe they played together often. I am so sad of Dick’s passing…R.I.P., Richard Braye. And to Anna, and Dick’s 3 children. Hugs 🥰