Franklin, NC: Raymond Earle Bracken, Jr., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 25, 2022. Born on June 22, 1933, in Blackwood, New Jersey, to the late Raymond E. Bracken, Sr., and Elizabeth A. Elfrey Bracken, he was predeceased by one brother, Harry Bracken, and his beloved wife, Georgia M. Bracken. Ray is survived by a cousin whom he considered to be a sister, Dotty Jean Burton of Florida. Ray is also survived by eight children: Laurene Bracken of Kodak, TN, Cheryl Wyatt of Sevierville, TN, Richard Bracken of Franklin, NC, Cheryl Weigand (Harold) of Tallmadge, OH, Linda Henry of New Market, TN, Gary Puckett (Charlene) of Franklin, NC, Keith Puckett (Laurie) of Franklin, NC, and Jody Crisp of Franklin, NC. In addition, he leaves behind 26 grandchildren , 40 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Born and raised in Blackwood, NJ, he then served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He returned to his hometown in New Jersey upon his honorable discharge. He worked for a paint company as a manager for many years. He then relocated his wife and three children to Clearwater, Florida, where he stayed until 1975. He spent many years as troop leader for the boy scout troop in Clearwater. He enjoyed his time spent as an amateur HAM operator. When he moved to his beloved mountains of Franklin, NC, he worked many years in Highlands and Franklin areas as a carpenter. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and sport shooting. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. Ray enjoyed driving the back roads of western North Carolina in his dune buggy. He enjoyed countless days spent going to auctions, flea markets, and yard sales with his wife, Georgia, and his granddaughters, Alisha and Denise. Ray was the epitome of the loving family man, mentor, protector, and friend. He knew the true American values of honesty, integrity, and loyalty, spending everyday of his life modeling these attributes for all who knew him. He spent many years taking care of his beloved wife until the day she departed this world. He was always the first person to offer help to anyone, anytime, without question. He will forever be our American Hero, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A celebration of life will be held Saturday December 3, 2022, at 1 p.m., at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 28 Lakey Creek Road, Franklin, NC, 28734. Reverend Lloyd Fish will officiate. Honors will be provided by the VFW Post #7339. A meal will follow for family in the fellowship hall. Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve Mr. Bracken's family.