Dr. Gary David Wray

Birth date: Oct 1, 1943 Death date: Feb 3, 2022

Dr. Gary David Wray, age 78 of Lewes, passed away peacefully late at night on February 3, 2022, surrounded by so much love, after a very short and very courageous battle with cancer. Gary was diagnosed with terminal cancer two wee Read Obituary

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Lorraine J Dion

190w ago

Dr. Wray was my 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Dover AFB Junior High School which was part of the CR school district. He was my favorite teacher & the reason for my life long love of history. Because of Dr. Wray, I went on to receive my degree in History & Museum Studies. I was an attendee at the annual Delaware Tourism Luncheon in 2008 where he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. I was fortunate to be able to speak to him for a few minutes afterwards to tell him what an impact his teaching had made on my life.
A truly remarkable man. My sincere condolences to his family.

Nolan Katz

192w ago

in honor of Gary.

Dr. Wray was my college professor at Wilmington University in an undergraduate class. He was a terrific story teller and made history come alive. He taught student to think for themselves and gather multiple perspectives to get the full picture. This influence me to do the same in my classroom as an educator in elementary. If not for him, I would be doing a disservice to our young youth with terrible social studies practices. Thank you for being a great inspiring educator. You will be missed.

A lit candle with a soft flame, surrounded by small white flowers and green leaves, set against a warm yellow background.

Steve Schwartz

192w ago

I had the pleasure of working with Gary over many years in many different activities, and yet as I think back, I was always discovering a different facet of Gary. He certainly was an interesting fellow -- driven, smart, opinionated, and fun. As I get to that point of life where less is in the future than what has been in the past, I regret not spending more time with Gary, learning more about him and from him. Like most of us teachers, Gary relished informing others, building on experience and learnings while helping people understand their own past and potential futures. A life well lived!

Betty & Butch Daugherty

193w ago

We, Betty and Butch Daugherty, have been so fortunate to have known our good friends Nancy & Gary for so long. We, too, are West Virginians. Nancy and I went to South Charleston High School, and continued on to Morris Harvey College (now the University of. Charleston). When Nancy met Gary in college, we all met Gary.
We were fast friends throughout life, and we had so much fun together. We remember our road trips to Philly and New Jersey beaches in 1962; our Austin Healeys; weddings; babies; Fredericka; Covey Creek, Andrews Lake, and Wild Rabbit Run.
The Lewes community has lost a valued citizen whose contributions will be long lasting. We thank Jessica, Robin, and Katie for organizing so beautifully the Celebration of Life and get-together afterwards.

Tony Crivella

194w ago

Prayers to Dr Wrays family. he made an lasting impression on me as a 8th or 9 th grade student at Milton Jr High in the Mid 70s Great teacher/ counselor

Dr. Doris Person

194w ago

in honor of Gary.

Sending hugs and prayers to the families of Dr. Wray, who interviewed me in Columbus, Ohio to join the Cape team. He remained a strong encourager for the past 30 years.

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Charlotte A. Bastian

194w ago

To the family of Gary: I am so very saddened by the news of your fathers passing. To think that he wrote such a thoughtful and heartful message on my husbands tribute wall (James H. Bastian, Jr.) days before he left us all. He was such a thoughtful and good friend and contributed to our schools and community in so many ways. His knowledge of history and his time serving so many projects are endless. He and Jim had so much in common and they shared their love of West Virginia. My children have so many memories of his kindness as their teacher. Jim and I always had so much respect for his knowledge in so many projects and community needs. He was always so happy to greet us and we loved him so much. He will be missed and remembered always as a true community leader and educator. I pray for your peace as you remember all of your precious memories.
Charlotte A. Bastian

Laura Hughes

194w ago

Jessica, Robin and Katie-
Sending hugs and deepest condolences from both me and my mother. Your dad ( and mom) were so special to my mom (and dad) and we were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have heard many mentions of your parents from their days at Morris Harvey and then their early years in Delaware. They were special friends to my mom. While it has been many years since they've been in touch, please know that my mom sends her love. I have fond childhood memories of your dad and remember him as a happy, gentle man with that lovely West Virginia "draw". You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Laura (Miley) Hughes and Gail (Cavender) Miley

Dana Abbott-Painter

194w ago

Dear Jessica, Robin and Katie and families, We were so very, very sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful father. He was an incredible inspiration to many, many people and he will be greatly missed beyond words. With getting to see him at Wilmington University, we shared many talks through the years and I always loved "catching up" and finding out about his latest projects and adventures. With my husband being from the same place in West Virginia, we shared numerous stories about the beautiful area and our latest West Virginia vacations. And, his love for learning was contagious. But, the best part of our conversations and when Gary was truly beaming the most is when he shared his family memories, current and upcoming times with his family. After he would leave, I would always be reflecting on how much fun the talk had been, new history interests, and my utmost respect for knowing he is one of the best fathers and grandfathers! Gary's love for life will live in our hearts forever...Dana Abbott-Painter and John Painter

Karen Cannon

194w ago

Dear girls,
I want to send our condolences to you with the passing of your father. Your father was one of the dearest friends I worked with and socialized with while I worked for the Cape Henlopen School District. Your father was hired to serve in the District Office the same night I was hired as Supv. of Personnel.

During our years of working together, I trusted in your father's advice and accepted his thoughts as he helped me to gain strength to deal with personnel issues. We traveled on recruitment trips to various colleges all over the East Coast to recruit teachers for the District. We shared hundreds of stories, opinions and jokes as we traveled in the old "blue bomber" car of the District. Your father could recognize a great teacher when he saw one and worked with the Board and me to get that individual to come to Cape.

I loved and respected your father as a co-worker and a friend. I know he is visiting in the sky with many of our friends who have gone before us. If you listen quietly, I am sure they are singing, "Oh, those West Virginia hills, how majestic and how grand!"

May God bless you at this time. Dwell on the wonderful times you shared with your father!

Dr. Earl & and Dr. Karen Cannon
Rockingham, VA

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