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Henry Eugene "Gene" Wray

Henry Eugene "Gene" Wray, age 81, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Courtland Terrace in Gastonia. Born in York County, SC he was the son of the late Claude Marion Wray and Barbara Martin Wray. He was a Staff Engineer for the NC Department of Transportation and retired after more than 30 years of service. Gene was a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church where he was a former Deacon, choir member and Sunday school teacher.

Gene was a proud graduate of Number Three High School where he formed many lifelong friendships. He also attended Berry College and was a graduate of Gardner-Webb College where he played baseball for Coach Norman Harris.

He was a Charter Member of Shelby Rescue Squad. He was also a founding member, and first President of, the Cleveland County Midget Football League. He served as a football official for many years with the North State Football Officials Association as well as being the clock operator for Gardner-Webb University Football.

In retirement, he faithfully volunteered, with his beloved wife Priscilla Bell Wray, with Hospice of Cleveland County.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Priscilla Bell Wray, three brothers; Marion, Arnold and Donald Wray and three sisters; Kathleen Ledbetter, Brenda Lovelace and Gertrude Wray.

Gene is survived by one daughter, Tammy Branton of Shelby, one son, Tony Wray and wife Meloni of New Bern, one bother Roy Frank Wray of Shelby, as well as three grandsons; Tyler Wray of Greenville, Luke Wray of Shelby, and Michael Branton of Winston-Salem.

Funeral service will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Mount Sinai Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Trexler officiating, burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm in the church Sanctuary.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the loving care that the Staff of Courtland Terrace gave Gene during his time there.

It is requested that those in attendance wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150 or Mount Sinai Baptist Church: Building Fund 1227 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Shelby NC 28152.

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

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com


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