John “Pat” Bray, age 86 of Marion, passed away on Saturday evening May 2, 2015 at the Primrose Retirement Community of Marion.
Pat was born on August 6, 1928 in Marion, the son of John Matthew and Anna (Quinn) Bray. Pat graduated from St. Mary High School. He obtained a teaching certificate from the University of Toledo.
Pat proudly served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army, being stationed in Germany.
On May 5, 1951, Pat was united in marriage to Shirley M. Dwyer in Dayton, Ohio.
He was the co-owner of Bender Plumbing for many years. Pat then found a home at Tri-Rivers. He taught the Building Trade classes. Every year the class would build a home from the ground up; at the completion of the project, Tri-Rivers would donate the home to a worthy family. He was a devoted instructor, truly valuing a quality education for his students. With that belief, he organized many field trips to take the students out and see hands-on what was being taught in the classroom.
Pat served his community and was very involved. He was a past president of the Marion Exchange Club, a member of the Historical Society, Senior Center, lifetime member of the VFW Post 7201, Knights of Columbus and St. Mary Catholic Church. In his free time, you could find Pat on the golf course enjoying a beautiful day.
He is survived by his children: Timothy (Lou-Ann) Bray, Terence P. (Carol) Bray, Regina M. (Randy) McQuillen and Michael S. Bray; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; siblings: Mary T. Burke, JoAnn Bray, James Bray and Sister Rita Bray; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife Shirley Bray, and his sibling, Brother Paul Bray.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Home, 347 West Center St., Marion from 4PM to 7PM; Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 251 North Main St., Marion at 10AM; Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors being observed.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Marion General Hospital Hospice.
The Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Home, a division of Snyder Funeral Homes, is honored to be serving Pat’s family; condolences may be expressed to the family at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
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