LOUISBURG - Bruce Russell Pray of Louisburg, NC passed away on March 31, 2017 after a valiant fight with throat cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Lynn Pray; his daughters, Shannon LaBay and Jessica Pray; and his grandchildren, Elijah and Abigail LaBay. He is also survived by his brothers, Ricky Pray and David Girard. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Pray and Virginia Girard.

An obituary is nothing more than a check list of what Bruce did, where he lived and who he loved. An obituary could never come close to knowing the man that he was, because he was something different to each of us.

There are not enough words to tell anyone that did not know him, what a kind, loving, hard headed man that he was. He gave of himself to everyone that ever touched his life. He dedicated his entire life to helping others. He started on his Grandfather's farm in Plattsburg, NY, then to the United States Air Force. He then became a police officer with the City of Alexandria, Virginia. He retired as a Sergeant after 20 years of service, but he remained a cop until the day he died. He continued on the path of service to others until his death, lastly working for Allied Universal at Reichhold, Inc.

Those of us that have been lucky enough to love him and to be loved by him will never be the same without him. Our hearts will remain forever broken. He was a huge presence that will be eternally missed. His deep, booming voice is silenced. His sparkling eyes, dulled, his crooked smile forever gone, but his memory will live on as strong as he was in life.

At Bruce's request, there will be no viewing or funeral. Instead, we ask everyone that knew him and loved him to honor him in a way that would make him so happy. Light up your grill, throw some hamburgers on the grill, pop open an Icehouse and toast him. Share a story or two that you have of Bruce with each other and laugh. He doesn't want us to grieve for too long because he said that life is too short to be filled with sorrow and sadness.

To you my beloved husband and my very best friend, I'm gonna love you all the way.

The family is being cared for by Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services. Online Condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com.

Paid Obituary