Jack Reuben Wray, 85, died peacefully Sept. 9, 2016, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Atlanta on Aug. 23, 1931, to Billie and Fred Wray, Jack attended Dykes High School and was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force where he served in the Korean Conflict. Jack graduated from Georgia Tech in 1956, earning a degree in industrial engineering. He had a 30-year career with the Coca Cola Co., where he served as manager of new business development before retiring in 1986. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tallahassee and deeply enjoyed his affiliation with Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church in the summers and falls.
Since retiring, Jack divided time between Atlanta, Lake Burton and Tallahassee, Florida. He was passionate about working in his shop, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife Gail, his children, countless friends, and his beloved dog, JD. He was a member of Cherokee Town and Country Club, Kingwood, Capital City Club in Tallahassee, and the Cotillion Club. Jack had an infectious fervor for life and his memory will be cherished by all of the people he touched.
Jack was predeceased by his mother and father; brother, Calvin Wray; and granddaughter, Emily Fallon.
He is survived by his wife, Gail, daughter, Nancy Izlar (Bill) of Atlanta, son, Dr. David Wray (Kris) of Chicago, and son, Dr. Steven Wray (Jennifer) of Atlanta, and his grandchildren, Darby, Ellie and Grayson Fallon, and Margaret, Jack and Rachel Wray. He is also survived by the mother of Nancy and Steven, Mrs. Judy Bicknell and two sons by marriage, Terry Nelson Jr. (Lynn) and Todd Nelson (Jolee), brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Fran Mulcahy, sister-in-law, Wenett Wray and many nieces and nephews.
Jack will be fondly remembered for his kind spirit, great sense of humor, loving manner and for the courage with which he faced a difficult disease. He was a wonderful man, loving husband, extraordinary father and grandfather, and a great friend to many.
There was a memorial service and interment at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tallahassee on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at 3 p.m. and there will be a celebration of Jack’s life at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Andrew Page for his exceptional care and compassion, and to the staffs of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and Hospice Atlanta.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 15, 2016