It is with sadness that we share news of the passing of the Honorable Richard S. Bray, a generous and visionary steward of Virginia Wesleyan University.
A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, Judge Bray earned his undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon College and his law degree from the College of William & Mary. In his law career, he served as a clerk to Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawrence W. I'Anson then practiced law in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was appointed as a judge of the Circuit Court of the City of Portsmouth in 1989 then to the Court of Appeals of Virginia in 1991.
Judge Bray retired from his distinguished law career in 2002 to become President and CEO of the Beazley Foundation. The Foundation was already an incredible supporter of Virginia Wesleyan, making its first gift in 1974, and Judge Bray continued that commitment throughout his tenure as President and CEO and eventually Chair of the Board.
The Beazley Foundation has supported the University with major grants supporting scholarships, technology, and many capital projects around campus since 1974. Notably, the University boasts the Beazley Foundation Recital Hall/Monumental Chapel and the Beazley Computer Lab in Clarke Hall, thanks to Judge Bray’s stewardship of the Foundation.
Judge Bray was honored throughout his life as an outstanding professional and community leader, and his legacy lives on in the continued good work of the Beazley Foundation.
Sincerely,
