Joseph Was a Son of Paterson

Tribute to Joseph A. Bray Jr. Paterson, NJ USNA 1951

Joseph was a son of Paterson; Had a sister, Betty and a brother, Don. Wasn’t long and he was gone. “Left home at seventeen And never came back,” As was said of him by folks back home. To many places he did roam: Hawaii, Germany, Korea, and Nam. Had two boys, two girls and then Tom. The last was quite a good brother; Stayed and helped the folks like no other. We give thanks for that man of God, our Dad, And his departure doesn’t leave us sad; He’s gone to the One He trusted (All those who reject Him are busted!) “Do the right thing” was the “song” he’d sing, And with a smile he’d sing other things: “O Danny Boy, the pipes are calling,” And prey to his tunes we were falling; Couldn’t help his songs to sing. He taught us the Right above all things: To know the Father, Spirit, and Son Was worth more than all the world’s fun.

Finish at 1055 on 2 Aug., 2022