Tyler Hunter NaChase Bray

Tyler Hunter NaChase Bray, 31, born February 24, 1993, son of David Wayne Bray and Charlotte Brock Crawford and very special grandson of the late Eugene Brock and Regina Short Davidson, went home to be with the Lord after suffering a long while with failing health. He passed away at home in Helton, Kentucky where he was born and raised. Tyler was part of the Leslie County High School graduating class of 2011 and he was a lifelong member of the Middlefork United Methodist Church; having been presented to the Lord in dedication on May 12, 1996.

Tyler was always a hoot and a half to be around; everyone loved his company and his winning personality. Growing up, Tyler had a strong role model in his grandad Eugene, whose love and influence continued to guide him long after his passing in 2012. As a personal hobby, Tyler enjoyed owning and trading guns and knives, receiving his first gun as a Christmas gift from his mom when he was four years old. Hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and being outdoors had been instilled in him and his big brother, Cody, from a very young age and created many bonding experiences and fond memories that will continue to live on in those who love him. Cody, who assumed the role that granddad Eugene had filled, played a major role in Tyler's life. Tyler's last year alive was his happiest and provided the most change when he became a new daddy to Kayden Hunter Bray on February 8, 2024. His pride in his baby boy was impossible not to see and his love inspired him to be a better person. 

Tyler was preceded in death by his grandad, his paternal grandmother Geraldine Collett Bray, paternal grandfather Dave Bray, and maternal great grandmother Lena Mae Caldwell Short who always had his back and he had hers as well as great-grandfather Rufus Short. 

Left to carry on his memory along with his parents, David Wayne and Charlotte, whom he had a very close relationship with and was the light of her life, his grand-mom Regina (Stanley) Davidson, fiance and best friend for the last ten years, Kayla Sandlin; son, Kayden; big brother, Dakota Bray (April); special aunt, Gina Watts (Rodney); special first cousins with whom he shared his childhood, Brooklyn Burgan (Devin) and Daniel Watts (Brooke); half-siblings, Karen, Judy, Jimbo, Tate, Devon, Jaxon, and Jasmine; father and mother-in-law, Steven Collett and Denna Johnson; step-father, who continues to be part of his life, Roger Helton; step-father Tester Crawford,  step-brothers, Adam Crawford  and Sloan Crawford, four special great-aunts: Betty, Pansy, Charlotte, and Sue; three great uncles: Robert, Jack, and Rocky; 2 special second cousins: Raelyn and Branson; as well as a host of other special aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, Chris Brock, Brandon Pierson, and Charles Brock.

Pallbearers will include Daniel Watts, Devin Burgan, Rodney Watts, Roger Helton, Bobby Hall, Brandon Pierson, Robert Steven Short, Steven Collett, Charles Brock, Devon Bray, Terry Bray, and Jimbo Hensley; Honorary pallbearer, brother, Dakota Bray.

Visitation for Tyler Hunter NaChase Bray will take place at the Middlefork United Methodist Church in Middlefork, Kentucky on Friday, January 3, 2025 starting at 5:00 p.m. and extend until the funeral hour on January 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Jack Short, Rev. Reed Brock, and Rev. Larry Stubblefield are officiating. Interment will take place at the Honey Branch Cemetery in Helton, Kentucky.