Stough Alexander Wray, Jr., age 78 was born in Shelby, NC on August 18, 1938. He was the son of Stough A. Wray, Sr. and Janie Cline Wray. Stough graduated from Shelby High School Class of 1956 and North Carolina State University Class of 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Stough married Sarah McEntire in 1958 and treasured their entire family for 58 years. He is survived by: Son - Stough A. Wray, III (Chip) and wife Belle-granddaughter Suzanne Maxwell and great grandson Holden Dover, grandson Stephen Maxwell and great grandson Hayden Maxwell; Daughter Sarah Louise Wray (Lou); Daughter Shelley Wray Roberts - grandson Forrest Roberts and granddaughter Madalyn Roberts and fiancée Neil Park; Son - Rush Aaron Wray - granddaughter Gracie Wray and grandson Dylan Wray. Sister Janie Wray Ledbetter and children: Anna Ledbetter Lovingood - children Hugh and Carrie; Dan Ledbetter and wife Tatjana - children Victoria and Ian Ledbetter, Cameron Ledbetter, Colt Tenney and wife Amanda - children Lane and Margaret; David Ledbetter and wife Lori - children Courtney, Harley, Haley Ledbetter, Caleb and Zackery Holmes.

Upon graduation Stough was employed by Burlington Industry in Virginia, Fiber Industries of Shelby and International Celanese of Charlotte, NC until 1969. Stough returned to Shelby to help manage A.V. Wray and 6 Sons, his family's business for 30 years, which grew to include three stores in Shelby, one in Tri City Mall, Forest City and one store in Akers Shopping Center, Gastonia. After retiring from retailing he opened "Stough Wray Insurance Company" until his death on September 18, 2016.

Stough loved being a part of the First Baptist Church family where he served as a deacon and was a member of the George Byrd Sunday School class. He was also a member of the Shelby Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow; Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Shelby Association his entire retail career. He enjoyed people from all walks of life and counted among his friends numerous business and social acquaintances. He believed in helping his fellow man throughout our community. Stough was a member of the Cleveland County Country Club and enjoyed playing golf for 47 years. He also liked to hunt and boating at Moss Lake and Lake James. He loved to travel in his RV with all the children and to drive his convertibles in parades and on the open road.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday September 21 at 11:00 am in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Tench officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30am until 11:00 am in the sanctuary before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: First Baptist Church, 120 N Lafayette Street, Shelby NC 28150 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com