Charles Ray Braddy

Charles Ray Braddy was born January 16, 1951, to Leon and Esther Braddy in El Monte, California. As an only child, his family called him “Charles,” but his classmates knew him as “Charley.” Later on, friends and co-workers called him “Chuck.” Charley’s mother passed at an early age; her parents stepped up to raise him from the time he entered Pacific Beach Elementary School, where he enjoyed playing Little League baseball. He was an avid surfer and excelled in Auto Shop classes at Mission Bay High School (class of 1969), where he met his future wife, Connie Rae Root. Charley attended Mesa and Miramar Colleges and eventually graduated from National University. Charley and Connie were married September 3, 1971 at Scott Memorial Baptist Church, a marriage that continued for almost 54 years. They have two children, Michael Ray and Diana Rae. Chuck began his career as a Police Officer for the City of La Mesa in 1974. He enjoyed working all the different assignments as he was promoted up the ranks to Captain. Chuck graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1995; he retired from LMPD in 2002, then worked part time doing background investigations. Retired life allowed time to cultivate his love of cars, enjoying DIY restorations of classic muscle cars as well as Volkswagens in his garage. He enjoyed short- as well as long-distance motorcycle rides with “the guys,” including the Tail of the Dragon in No. Carolina. Chuck and Connie traveled together on his motorcycle to Canada and multiple destinations in between. For 17 years they volunteered as puppy raisers for Canine Companions, providing 11 Future Service Dogs a loving home and foundational training. Whether you call him Charles, Charley, or Chuck, everyone would agree that he had an engaging sense of humor and was the first person to help a friend with a car or home project. After having an especially great retiree-type day, Chuck suffered a sudden massive stroke at home on April 10, 2025, then passed to eternal life on April 22, 2025, at Grossmont Hospital with Connie, Michael, and Diana by his side. He was a great man, husband, dad, papa, and a friend to all. He will be loved forever and dearly missed. Chuck Braddy is survived by his loving wife, Connie, son, Mike Braddy (Kimberly), daughter Diana Murphy (“Murph”), Grandchildren Lauren Rae Heim, Cassidy Rae Braddy, Dylan Michael Braddy, two step-granddaughters, three step great-grandchildren, and four cousins.

Charles Ray Braddy

January 16, 1951 - April 22, 2025