Larry Ronald “Ron” Bragg, age 81, ended his earthly ministry and was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Lena and his father, August Bragg, six brothers and five sisters as well as one grandson, Trace Stephenson.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, three sons Kory Bragg (Angie), Hiram Bragg (April), and Luke Bragg (Amy) and two daughters Kelly Hook (Greg) and Hannah Townsley (Luke) as well as fifteen grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren who know him fondly as grandpa, gramps and g-pop. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who call him Uncle Ron.
Ron was born January 8, 1943, in Neosho, Missouri. He graduated from Carthage Senior High in 1961 and then served in the US Navy. Ron was saved and called into the Lord’s service under the ministry of Dr. J. Harold Smith in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. The family sold their home and possessions and left for Bible College in Greenville, South Carolina. God led Brother Bragg to the African country of Senegal, where he and his family served for 16 years before becoming the Africa Director in 1991, of Baptist International Missions, Inc., Chattanooga, TN. Not only did he visit and help missionaries on the field of Africa but also did much training of missionary candidates stateside preparing them for the field. He was also busy preaching mission’s conferences all over the US. Brother Bragg had a big heart for missions and seeing others come to Christ. He received his 50-year pin from BIMI for his service.
In 1994, the Lord led Brother Bragg to help organized Crossroads Baptist Church in Carthage, MO which has been in existence for 30 years.
In his later years he enjoyed spending time in his shop at the farm in Carthage, making birdhouses, cutting boards, and clocks to give away. He was always busy with a project and loved to ride around with his trusty dog, Jack, to see what needed fixing. He also was blessed teaching his college and career Sunday school class at Crossroads Baptist Church right up to a few weeks before he passed away. He also loved having missionary families visit the farm and stay awhile always entertaining them with his mission stories and encouraging them to stay on the firing line for the Lord.
Ron loved Jesus and loved others. He never missed a chance to make someone smile or laugh. He will be greatly missed by many and left a legacy of love, faith, family and service that will be remembered for years to come.
Ron’s services will be held at 2:00 p.m. October 17, 2024, at Crossroads Baptist Church in Carthage, Missouri. A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to his service. Burial will be at Park Cemetery in Carthage.
Contributions may be made to Missions at Crossroads Baptist Church in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
