Braydyn Daniel McIlroy

Braydyn, lovingly known as “Braydy” to his family and friends, was born on March 6, 2003, at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, a son of Carolyn J. Wright, who survives.

Braydy was a 2022 graduate of Shikellamy High School and Sun Area Vo-tech, where he was enrolled in the Precision Metal-Working program. It was at vo-tech, that Braydy met the love of his life, Destiny Sanders, who survives.

Following graduation, Braydy enlisted in the United States Army, through Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, on Dec. 7, 2022, at the age of 19. Braydyn attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga., from Feb. 23, 2023, to August 2023. Upon graduating from One Station Unit Training to become a 19D (Cavalry Scout), PV2 McIlroy was assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division as a dismounted Scout, and assigned to the Combined Arms Battalion Scout Platoon. PV2 McIlroy served in the company from Aug. 25, 2023, to Dec. 20, 2025. PV2 McIlroy quickly deployed to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., in preparation for the first brigade’s rotation to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. PV2 McIlroy was promoted to Private First Class on Jan. 4, 2024, as he continued to show great promise. Private First Class McIlroy deployed to the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland on April 30, 2024, where he served as part of a NATO Battlegroup, prepared to deter aggression towards NATO and its allies. Private First Class McIlroy soon became a Scout Driver, ensuring his crew was always ready. He served with multiple different countries, to include, Romanians, British, Spanish, Germans, Polish, and Italians. Private First Class McIlroy participated in two multinational exercises (Operation Sword and Operation Shield) while apart from the NATO Battlegroup. Private First Class McIlroy was promoted to the rank of Specialist on Jan. 3, 2025, as he continued to show great promise in his craft. Specialist McIlroy redeployed from Poland on Jan. 30, 2025, after serving nine months in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Specialist Mcllroy earned the NATO Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal (posthumously) while serving in the Army.

It was during his time in the U.S. Army, that Braydy adopted the nickname of “Micky,” from his brothers in arms.

Braydy was loved by everyone who knew him. He was funny and had a silly, quirky personality. Braydy had a determined spirit, who provided support and encouragement to those around him. As a child, Braydy played baseball and wrestled. He began skateboarding at an early age and it was a love of his that continued into adulthood. Braydy enjoyed playing video games online with friends. His top three favorites were UFC, Skate, and the Fallout series. Braydy enjoyed hiking in Texas, going out to eat, especially to Taco Bell and collecting Funko Pop figures. Above all, Braydy loved his country, friends and family.

Braydy was preceded in death by three great-grandmothers, Helen Wright, Jeanie Weikel and Shirley Fisher; and one aunt, Anna Benfer.

Braydy is survived by his mother, Carolyn J. Wright of Sunbury; fiancÈ, Destiny Sanders of Sunbury; two brothers, Ashton McIlroy of Mt. Pleasant Mills and Seth Delsite of Milton; two sisters, Chloe McIlroy of Wilkes Barre and Makayla McIlroy of Troxelville; two nephews, Sylas Woodling and Kysen McIlroy; great grandfather, Harold “Pappy” Wright of McClure; grandmother, Mary Ettinger-Wright of Beaver Springs; grandfather, Donald Ettinger of McClure; uncle, Harold “Dude” Benfer and his wife, Crystal of Yeagertown; sister-in-law, Gabby Sanders and father and mother-in-law, Terre Sanders of Shamokin and Josh Aucker of Sunbury; many cousins and close friends.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Christ Wesleyan Church, 363 Stamm Road, Milton. Braydyn’s funeral service, with Pastor Billy Robel officiating, will be held at 11 a.m. with Full Military Funeral Honors. Honorable procession following Braydyn’s funeral service to Brady Funeral Home, 448 Church St., Danville.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Brady Funeral Home of Danville.

Please send messages of remembrance and support to BradyFuneralHome.com.