Rev. Arnold Lee Bracy Sr.
Reverend Arnold Lee Bracy Sr. of Lapeer, Michigan, beloved pastor and community leader whose ministry spanned over 50 years, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2026 at the age of 88, passing away peacefully in his sleep.
Born in Charlotte, Michigan on January 13, 1938 to Ellis and Ardis Bracy, Pastor Bracy was the eldest of seven children and often recalled his happy childhood growing up on a farm. Feeling called to the ministry from a young age, he graduated from the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music and attended Grand Rapids Bible Seminary. He was a graduate of the Class of 1956 at Charlotte High School.
He met his wife of 68 years, Darlene (Humbarger) Bracy through family connections and they were married on September 20, 1957. Together they embarked on a long journey of faith and service to the Lord that has blessed countless lives.
Pastor Bracy began his ministry at Lake Odessa (Michigan) Bible Church in 1959 and was soon after called to Pilgrim Congregational Church in Metamora, Michigan. In 1965 he was called to Liberty Street Gospel Church in Lapeer, Michigan and oversaw the building of a new church home on South Main Street which was then named Calvary Bible Church. There he spent the majority of his ministry and served as Senior Pastor for 40 years. Under his leadership the congregation grew, and the building was expanded to house its many programs of faith and fellowship. In addition to his pastoral work Pastor Bracy served as manager of the long running Christian radio station WMPC from 1965 until 2000. During that time, he oversaw its expansion to 24 hours of Christian listening as well as the construction of a new station. In 1971 he was elected Lapeer County Commissioner and served until 1974.
Pastor Bracy is survived by his loving family including his wife Darlene, sons Arnold Jr. (Holly) of Holland, MI, Carl (Nadine) of Southlake, TX, David (Molly) of Chicago, IL, and daughter Diane (John) Neher of Arlington Heights, IL; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his brother Ronald (Jeanne), sisters Vesta Losen, Marsha (Jess) Keesling, Rebecca (Steven) Ruley, sister-in-law Patricia, and numerous devoted nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death and now welcoming him in heaven are his parents Ellis and Ardis, stepmother Pauline, brother Donald, sister Patricia Turley Wilkins, and brothers-in-law John Losen, Larry Turley and John Wilkins.
The community is invited to join with the family as we honor his life. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Lapeer [(810)664-8111]. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Bible Church, Lapeer followed by a brief luncheon. Pastor Jeremy Lazzell will officiate. A graveside service will take place at West Carmel Cemetery that day in Charlotte, Michigan at 4 p.m. Pastor David Turley will officiate.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the ministries of Calvary Bible Church and WMPC.
He will be in our hearts and greatly missed until we see him again. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Condolences and memories may be left at MuirBrothersLapeer.com.