Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Dr. Arthur Bragg

Dr. Arthur Eugene Bragg, 76 of Dover, Del., formerly of Gurdon, died on Saturday, November 23, 2002.

Dr. Bragg was born to the late Reverend Isiah and Cornelia (Webster) Bragg on January 27, 1926.

A native of Gurdon, Dr. Bragg attended Philander Smith College from 1941 to 1944. After a two-year tour of duty in the United States Army, he continued his education at Howard University and earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude, in 1948. He received the Master of Science Degree in Mathematics from the University of Chicago in 1949, and pursued his Doctoral Degree in Mathematics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Dr. Bragg's scholastic ability and academic achievements were evidenced by his membership and active participation in some of the leading academic societies in America which include: Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society, Sigma Xi Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, The American Mathematical Society, The Mathematical Association of America, The National Association of Mathematicians and The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Dr. Bragg began his outstanding career as an educator at Tuskegee University where he served as Instructor of Mathematics for three years. After working a year at Virginia State University as Associate Professor of Mathematics, he became chairman of the Department of Mathematics at Delaware State College and served in this position form 1962 to 1989. During this period he gave untiringly of his time, talents, and interests to improving the Mathematics Department and enhancement of the college academically, physically, and financially.

He introduced the use of an IBM 1130 computer to the faculty and students, and developed a four-year program in computer science. He also wrote the initial program used by the Office of Admissions and Records for grade reports, computation of grade point averages, and related analyses.

As a humanitarian, he consistently served the greater Delaware community in many ways.

His fondest contributions to community service were his work with his church and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity of which he was a life member and was an active member for 60 years.

In his church he worked extensively with musical programs, youth groups, young adults fellowships, and chaired the Administration Board of Whatcoat United Methodist Church.

His services to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity are too numerous to catalog, but he took great pride in his work as an advisor for more than 28 years to the undergraduate chapter at Delaware State College, and his participation in Psi Iota Chapter's big brothers program for under-privileged youth. His efforts have been noted at chapter, district and national levels of the fraternity.

His military service spanned more than 34 years of active and reserve duty in the United States Army. He retired from the United States Army Reserve in December 1988 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Arthur E. Bragg's distinguished record of educational and public service is exemplary.

In recognition of his long and dedicated service, on May 20, 1990, President William B. Delauder and the Board of Directors of Delaware State College conferred upon him the honorary doctorate degree in science.

He leaves to cherish his memory two sisters: Beatrice Bragg Stafford and Serena Bragg White; two brothers: James and Archie Bragg; two sisters-in-law: Marie and Louise Bragg; two brothers-in-law: Ellis Stafford and John White; his godchild Jason Gilchrist; 25 nieces and nephews, and hundreds of former students, colleagues, and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 7, 2002, at Whatcoat United Methodist Church of Dover, Del., with Rev. Alice J. Ervin, pastor officiating. Interment followed at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Arrangements were made by Bennie Smith Funeral Homes.