There were eight of us cousins on my mother's side of the family--children of her sisters. David Dray was the fourth oldest, son of Doris (Meinzen) Dray, my mom's third sister. David was five years older than me. His family moved from the Ridge in about 1958. Because of the age difference and the distance we weren't close. Even so, it is a sorrow to know he's gone. I have no adult photos of him but gosh, wasn't he a cute kid?
Here's a fun memory. When Dave and his sister, Belinda, who was just a little older than me, lived in the Ridge, there was a big willow tree in their back yard. We--probably mostly Dave--cut branches to make bows, then we looked for straight sticks to make arrows. We probably shot at a target of some sort, perhaps on the side of a barn. (It's funny how incomplete memories can be.)
The following is from the
funeral home's website.
David William Dray, aka “The Nicest Guy,” 78, of Willoughby, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Burton Healthcare Center.
Born March 9, 1945, in Warren, he had lived in Richmond Heights before moving to Lake County 34 years ago.
David was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran and a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. He was the most patient person, yet also the biggest procrastinator. But most of all, he loved his family dearly, especially his girls and boys.
He was the beloved husband of 30 years to Barbara A. (nee Krych) Dray; loving father of Aimee C. Dray of University Heights and Karmi A. Jones of Willoughby; and cherished grandfather of Jacob R. Lorkovic and Caleb M. Jones.
David was preceded in death by his parents, William and Doris (nee Meinzen) Dray; and sister, Belinda Litty.
May you rest in peace, David. You will be missed.
—Nancy.
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That is a tender memorial post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Colleen.
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