Raymond Calvin Braden
Raymond Calvin Braden, 77, of Knoxville, passed away Nov. 3, 2025.
He loved the Lord and served as pastor of several Baptist churches through the years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later retired from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs.
Following retirement, he lovingly cared for his wife, Stella Bridges Braden, until her death in 2022.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Stella Bridges Braden; parents, Ernest and Ethel Braden; brothers, Charles and David Braden; and sister, Vesta Flynn.
He is survived by his sons, Terry (Starla) Bridges and Dennis (Kim) Bridges; daughters, Vicki Easterday and Melanie (Alvin) Loveday; brother, Louis (Carol) Braden; sister, Reba Braden; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Bridges Funeral Home. A funeral followed with the Revs. Luke Kidwell and Richard Nicley officiating.
Interment followed at 3 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, with honors presented by the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard.
Pallbearers were Carl Tilley, Brian Bridges, Alvin Loveday, John Lewis, Bobby Lewis and Kenny Moody. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Barbee and John Briggs.
The family extends special thanks to Brian, Tiffany and Lauren for their love and support to their grandparents, and to his son-in-law, Alvin Loveday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 22122, Knoxville, TN 37933, or to Cox View Cemetery, 7117 Lyngate Blvd., Powell, TN 37849, with checks made payable to Wayne Mitchell.
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville.
bridgesfuneralhome.com