Riley Bracey, Jr., 62, affectionately known as “Bo”, departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at ContinueCare Hospital at Prisma Health Baptist, Columbia. Born June 8, 1957, in Sumter County, he was the son of the late Riley Bracey, Sr. and Kathleen Wright Bracey Davis and John Davis, Sr. Riley received his formal education in the Sumter School District System (formally Sumter School District #17). After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served several tours of duty throughout the United States and retired after twenty-two years of service to his country. Upon completion of his military service, he embarked upon a career with the South Carolina Department of Corrections as a maintenance supervisor for twenty-one years before retiring due to declining health. At an early age Riley joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully from his youth in many areas and continued as an adult to serve on the Trustees, Veterans and Usher Ministry. Riley leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Patricia; two sons, Rodney (Carrie) Spann of Atlanta, GA and Rubin C. Gathers, Sr. of Sumter; five grandchildren; four sisters, Carolyn B. Johnson, Carrie Bracey and Rethea B. Lemmon, all of Sumter, Helen D. Blackmon of Atlanta, GA; four brothers, Freddie (Joanne Conyers) Bracey, Jackie E. Bracey, both of Sumter, Leroy (Gloria) Davis of Atlanta, GA and Teddy Davis of Dudley, NC; one uncle, Willie L. Wright; one aunt, Deloris B. Wright; one grandaunt, Martha Wright; father and mother-in-law, George and Irene Melton, all of Sumter; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family will receive relatives and friends at the home, 320 Planter Drive, Sumter. Celebration of Life Services will be held today, July 23, 2019, 11 a. m. at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 3249 Highway 15 South, Sumter, with the Rev. Willie A. Wright, Jr., Pastor, Eulogist. The Remains will be placed in the church at 10 a. m. for viewing until time of service. The funeral procession will leave the home at 10:20 a. m. Burial will be 10 a. m. Wednesday in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia.
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