Douglas Wray passed away on December 17, 2020. He was born in Presque Isle, ME on January 25, 1924 to Walter and Alma Wray and began his life on a potato farm. He would often tell stories of the extreme cold, snow drifts that were above the power lines and ice on top of the snow so thick that the family’s 2,000-lb Clydesdale horses could walk on it while pulling the sleigh.
After graduating from Presque Isle High School in 1941, Douglas began working in the shipyards of Portland, ME in 1942. By March of 1943, he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 734th Field Artillery Battalion, becoming a Radio Operator and Maintenance Technician for the Signal Corps. He landed in the France in July 1943 and served in the Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe Campaigns, eventually returning back to the US in Dec of 1945.
Douglas was a professional photographer and he met his wife Margaret Kirkland at a photographic shop in Douglas, GA and they were wed in 1947 having 3 children, Wayne, Robin and Barry. Douglas worked in the photo finishing industry and lived in VA, LA, FL MS and eventually settling in Springfield, MA where he remained for 40 years raising his family with Margaret. In FL, Douglas became a Free Mason. He led a life as a devote Christian and was a member of Emmanuel Southern Baptist Church in Springfield MA for over 35 years and Bear Creek Valley Community Church in Colleyville, TX. Douglas became a stalwart advocate for the disabled and served for many years as an advisor to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, after his son Wayne became disabled from a neck injury suffered during a college football game in 1972. He also loved to play golf and achieved the rare hole in one when he was in his late 70’s.
Eventually, Douglas moved to N Richland Hills, TX to be close to his daughter and extended family, and lived out a rich life in that area. He was able to go to the gym and work out until very late in his life and was a celebrated member of VFW Post 655 where he loved to play pool and talk with friends. They were all his friends if he knew them or not. Douglas never met a stranger and found some of his greatest joy in making new friends and helping others. Douglas and Margaret were married for 38 years before her passing. His eldest son, Wayne passed in 1987.
Surviving Douglas are his children Robin Manley and Barry Wray, his grandchildren Jesse Manley and Elise D’Arcy and Great Grandson, Luke D’Arcy. He now rejoins his wife and his son Wayne in heaven and looks down upon those he loved.
In Loving Memory for our Family
Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11 am, at the Sand Hill Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Kirkland Cemetery.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.