Obituary of Dennis Wray

DENNIS D. WRAY, 62 U.S. Navy, Ret. Chief Petty Officer WINTER HAVEN - Dennis D. Wray, age 62 passed away Monday, August 24, 2009 at Winter Haven Hospital due to respiratory failure. He was born in Crothersville, Indiana, April 15, 1947 to the parents of Lawrence and Nora (Greathouse) Wray. Dennis and his wife, Sandra have been residents of Winter Haven for 55 years. Mr. Wray served 3 years in the United States Army, spending one year in Vietnam during Tet Offensive 1968; Dennis was a retired Chief Petty Officer serving 17 years in the United States Navy. He served in a total of 15 duty stations including in part, The USS John Hancock, USS Spruance, USS Leyte Gulf, USS Briscoe, Naval Weapons Station Charleston, SC, Pascagoula, Mississippi, Naval Weapons Station at Mayport, Florida and also at the Naval Service Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. Dennis' career in the military took him to places such as the Artic Circle, transited the Suez Canal four times crossing the Persian Gulf, Red Sea and the Equator; on station during the Desert Shield, Desert Storm and returning to the Mediterranean Sea during the second phase of Desert Storm. The love of his country is unsurpassed by any man but more importantly the love and dedication to his family was always top priority. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sandra Wilson Wray; a son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Kelli Wray; a daughter, Kristina Wray, grandchildren: Anthony Scott Wray, Sr., Alex Gibson, Kaci Wray, Mackenzie Wray, Shyanne Smith, Kristopher Smith and one great grandson; Anthony Scott Wray, Jr.; 3 brothers: Chester Wray of Winter Haven, Robert Wray of Bunnell, Florida and Jack Wray of Scottsburg, Indiana. Dennis leaves many dear friends, nieces and nephews and will always be remembered with Love and Honor. Dennis was "The Man" - Fair winds and following seas. Friends and family are invited to visit the family home through Sunday, August 30, 2009. An open house with a brief ceremony will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday. Kersey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.