Palestine High School Alumni Association

Neual Mitchell Braly peacefully passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 after a brief illness. He was born in Elmtown, Texas on Jan. 14, 1916, to Eula Mitchell and Walter Bernard Braly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Jessie Belle Franklin Braly; his brother, Walter Ray Braly; and his sister, Mary Ann Braly Jones.

Neual joined his father-in-law, W.J. Franklin in Franklin Lumber Company in 1932 which later became Braly Builders Supply Company Inc. Throughout his 70-year career he became an expert in the lumber and hardware business. The business is still in operation and owned by his grandson, Stephen Braly.

He was a member of First Christian Church for 90 years. During that time he served as youth director, deacon, elder, trustee and was awarded the position of elder emeritus. Neual took great pride in serving his church. He was instrumental in the construction of the current sanctuary and served as the chairman of the building committee. His faith and servitude were an inspiration to all he knew. One of Neual’s favorite activities was attending the Judge E.V. Swift’s Men’s Class every Sunday.

Neual was also a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club from 1950 to 1981, with perfect attendance for 24 years. He served as program chairman, vice president, president and director. He also served two terms with the City of Palestine Planning and Zoning Committee, and one year on the Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his daughters, Martha Braly of Dallas, and Marjorie Braly, of Palestine; his grandchildren, Stephanie Braly-Beutjer and her husband, Michael, of Huntsville, Ala.; Stephen Braly and his wife, Vicki of Palestine; great-grandsons, Samuel Mitchell Braly and Reed Houston Braly of Palestine; and Matthew Stephen Braly Beutjer and Braly Alexander Neual Beutjer of Huntsville, Ala.; his sister-in-law, Elwanda Franklin; and several special cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Neual’s entire life was lived with great honesty and integrity. His everyday example of hard work, faith, and his sincerity enriched everyone’s life. All who knew him felt the love he had for people.    He could brighten a room with a simple smile and made everyone he met feel important. Neual was deeply loved and admired by his family and friends, and leaves a wonderful legacy for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at First Christian Church of Palestine with Pastor Jordan Byrd officiating, graveside service following in Palestine City Cemetery.

In lieu of condolence calls the family is hosting a reception honoring Neual. The reception will be held in the church parlor immediately following the graveside service. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster Palestine.

If desired memorials may be made to First Christian Church,  113 East Crawford, Palestine, Texas 75801.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Braly, David Barnes, Bascom Bentley, Michael Beutjer, Tommy Bomar, Bill Gray, Dennis Roberson and Cliff Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Braly, Reed Braly, Matthew Beutjer, Braly Beutjer and Judge E. V. Swift Men’s Class