Craig McNall “Bud” Bramley of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on July 5, 2021. He was a beloved husband and father and was an active in his community. He loved his faith where he continued as a member of the Men’s Bible Study at First Presbyterian Church until his death.
Bud was born in Brockport, N.Y., on March 31, 1929. His early years were spent in New York. He enrolled at Hobart College in Hobart, N.Y., after graduating high school where he pursued and was awarded a degree in economics. While at Hobart, he distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete lettering in football, baseball and basketball. He set school athletic records which still stand today. Bud was even offered a professional baseball tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals. His interests and priorities turned him from athletics toward serving his country.
Upon graduation, Bud enlisted as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Navy. He served as a Bombardier Navigator during the Korean War. His military service took him all over the world, including Italy, where he had the privilege of having an audience with Pope Pius XII. While he was not a Catholic, it was a moving and memorable experience that he remembered very fondly. Throughout his life Bud was a proud military veteran and held all who serve their country in the highest regard.
Bud entered the workforce upon completing his military service and began his work career supporting America’s Space and Defense programs. He worked for General Dynamics in Cape Canaveral, Fla., where he met Caroline McInnis. They married on July 11, 1956, and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. As his career progressed, Bud joined Lockheed Corporation (Lockheed Martin), where he worked for over 30 years before retiring as a vice president of Human Resources. Bud spent much of his career supporting NASA’s Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.
After leaving the workforce, Bud and Caroline retired to Statesville, N.C., where they fell in love with the community. Throughout retirement Bud was an active community supporter of several charitable organizations. He was actively involved in fundraising for the expansion of facilities and programs for Fifth Street Ministries and was also an active supporter of the Children’s Hope Alliance. He was a regular “Bell Ringer” for the Salvation Army and was an active member of the Statesville Rotary Club.
Beyond his civic involvement, Bud was also an avid golfer. He was a member at Statesville Country Club, where for all of his years in Statesville he enjoyed his participation and fellowship as part of Club 18. Bud was well known for scoring under his age for 18 holes (beginning in his 70s and continuing into his late 80s). This occurrence was a great source of pride and was a testament to his skill and competitiveness.
Bud also loved ll types of music. It was not at all uncommon for Bud to be singing along with the radio, whether the artist was Willie Nelson, Andrea Bocelli or Onea Direction. Music brought great joy to his life.
“I’m Happy, I’m Healthy, I’m Terrific” was one of his favorite sayings and reflected the way he tried to live his life. He loved his Country. He had the love of his family and friends, he was well regarded by all who knew him, and he led a full and happy life. He will be missed by many.
Bud is preceded in death by his father, Craig Floyd Bramley; his mother, Helen McNall Bramley; and his sister, Jean Woods.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline McInnis Bramley; and sons Craig McInnis Bramley (spouse Jennifer Sponholtz Bramley), Douglas McNall Bramley, Gary Floyd Bramley and William Charles Bramley (spouse Tammy Houston Bramley). Bud is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, at the First Presbyterian Church, Statesville, N.C. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bud’s memory to Fifth Street Ministries or the Children’s Hope Alliance.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.