Samuel Paul Wray

Samuel Paul Wray

Samuel Wray Obituary

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 21, 2009.
WRAY, Samuel Paul, age 30, born May 28, 1978, in Portsmouth, Va., passed away Sunday, January 18, 2009, in Ripley, W.Va. as the result of an automobile accident. He was formerly of Richmond, Va., and was in transition to reside in Columbus, Ohio. Sam was a U.S. Navy veteran serving a tour in Iraq and receiving an honorable discharge and the Navy Commendation Medal. He graduated in 2007 from Averett University in Business Management and also attended Master's Commission in Hampton, Va., circa 1999. Sam loved music, surfing, travel, his family and his Lord Jesus Christ. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Mary Ann Wray of Pickerington, Ohio; sister, Lisa Wray of Richmond, Va.; uncle, Jeff Wray; 12 year-old niece, Shanna; and six year-old nephew, Agzhaun Wray. Friends may visit Thursday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, 550 Hill Rd. North (State Rte. 256), Pickerington, Ohio, 43147, and one hour prior to the funeral service. A funeral service will be Friday, 11 a.m., at Eagle Rock Church, 6810 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW, Pickerington, Ohio. Pastor Les Bowling officiating. Interment at Violet Cemetery in Pickerington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Generation Building Fund c/o Eagle Rock Church, in Samuel's memory. Online condolences at www.spencefuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Sign Samuel Wray's Guest Book

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January 19, 2023

Bill Basgall posted to the memorial.

January 15, 2022

Mary Ann Wray posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2010

Mary Ann Wray posted to the memorial.

Bill Basgall

January 19, 2023

Robert and Mary Ann.
I just read a couple of the entries here. So beautiful Mary Ann.
I knew Sam from church but didn´t know him well, I was much older. He seemed like a great kid. I did not know that you wrote a book, not sure if it´s still available, but I´m going to check. May God continue to pour out his peace upon you all.

Bill Basgall

Mary Ann Wray

January 15, 2022

I can´t believe it has been 13 years since you left us. I think about you every day and dream of you often. I am looking so forward to the day where we will be reunited. You are still my wonderful son that I love and miss with all of my heart.
Love,
your Momma forever

Mary Ann Wray

January 16, 2010

It will be a year that Sam left this earth on Monday, January 18th. Sometimes my heart gets so heavy because I miss him so much but I know he is in perfect peace with Jesus. I choose to thank God with a grateful heart for all the years I had such a wonderful loving son. I choose to keep those good memories tucked away in my heart and mind. I love you forever Samuel Paul Wray.
Your mother...

Mary Ann Wray

September 15, 2009

Sam was the best son any mother could dream of having. I have just finished a book about his life and our family's journey together before during and after his passing. It will be ready by Christmas of 09 hopefully. The name of the book is "A Master Plan; A Young Man's Legacy; A Family's Journey." It will be available through Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble and Xulon Press.
Blessings and Peace in Christ!
Mary Ann Wray

Shawn and Jennifer Herndon

January 31, 2009

Sarah and Wray Family.
I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Sam was a great guy and a good neighbor. My thoughts are with you all.

Mary Ann Wray

January 28, 2009

Samuel was our only son. He will be missed but we will be spending eternity together. Although our light affliction is for a moment, it reveals a far exceeding and eternal weight of glory. One day soon, we will be together again. In the meantime, we will continue to serve our Lord and Savior until He calls us home. The pain of his loss has been minimized by the love and compassion of friends, family and the Family of God at our home church in Pickerington, Ohio (Eagle Rock Church) where Samuel was going to be a member of as well. We had over 193 people attend the wake and funeral combined. Even in earthly death he was a people magnet. We are proud of our son and thankful that he had a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ which death itself could not sever. There is a very good possibility that Bob will be attending the memorial service. I just couldn't bring myself to travel to VA after the sudden loss of our son. Thank you everyone for your condolences, kind words and prayers. Jesus is Lord.

TAKEDA WOODSON

January 27, 2009

SARA,

While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.

I will always hold you and Sam close to my heart and next to my shoes.

Anthony Fontaine

January 27, 2009

Sara and the Wray family,
I am saddened and offer my condolences at this most trying time. I met Sam and Sara in 2005 while taking classes with Averett University and his charisma, warm smile and entire persona was inviting. He possessed a magnetism that drew people to him, and I am thankful that the Creator blessed me to know him. May the Lord Jesus Christ keep you firm in your faith, and know that Sam rests in eternity with our Heavenly Father

Marlon Jackson

January 27, 2009

Sarah and the entire Wray family - Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart when I was informed of Sam's very premature passing. I am still in shock as I write this entry. I met Sam while attending Averett University. He and I became study group partners during the very first class in February 2005 and remained study partners until we both graduated in December 2007. Not only did I consider him a great study partner, but he soon became a great friend. He was such a cool and pleasant guy to talk to, laugh with, organize projects with, and just share life experiences with. I am so grateful that God allowed our paths to cross if only for a short while on this side of heaven, and look forward to seeing him again on the other side of heaven!! My prayers are for your strength at this difficult time. Remember that weeping may endure for a night(and sometimes the night can seem mighty long) but joy comes in the morning! And the joy of the Lord is our strength!!! God Bless.

Sarah Wray

January 25, 2009

A memorial service will be held for Sam at Richmond Community Church at 11am on Saturday January 31st. All are welcome to attend. Address of the church is: 11801 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059.

Susan Douglas (D'Amato)

January 23, 2009

Mary Ann and Bobby, I was so sorry to hear about your son's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amanda & Marchera Sheltering Arms co workers

January 22, 2009

Lisa & Wray family: We would like to extend our condolences to you through this difficult time. Sam seemed like a wonderful and lovable individual. He is greatly appreciated and honored for his service to our country. Lisa we will continue to pray for the holy spirit to be your comforter and present help.

Nancy Anderson

January 21, 2009

Jeff - I was so sorry to read of Sammy's passing, and at such a young age. From what I read, he gave so much and was so loved. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gabriella (Gianotti) Frank

January 21, 2009

I went to high school with Sam and recently got to catch up with him. He was such a sweet guy. I pray that God comforts you and brings you peace. I was given this passage from the book of Wisdom 4:7 (this book is part of the apocrapha & was in the canon of scripture before Martin Luther) after my best friend died. I hope it brings you some comfort.
The upright, though he die before his time, will find rest. Length of days is not what makes age honourable, nor number of years the true measure of life; understanding, this is grey hairs, untarnished life, this ripe old age. Having won God's favour, he has been loved..

Jody D'Amico

January 21, 2009

I feel like I have lost a son. Our visits and conversations will always be in my heart and I loved him deeply. How to live without that smile that lit the world I'll never know. He touched so many with his laughter and compassion.

Buddy Waller

January 21, 2009

Dear Mary Ann and family,

It was so terribly sad to hear of Sam's passing, especially when he was about to open a new chapter in his life and reunite with you in Ohio. Please know that my thoughts and prayers (and my mother's, too) are with you in this time of grieving.

Joanne Verdi

January 21, 2009

I met Sammy and loved him immediately; He was articulate, handsome, courteous; and most of all ..what a sense of humor!! He kept me laughing so much! Jeff W., you will miss him so much, I know; I just want to say 'thank you' for giving me the opportunity of sharing breakfast with all of you that morning at McLean's; what fun! He will always be a wonderful spirit among us.

Betsy Craig

January 21, 2009

Jeff & The Wray Family: I have also posted an electronic message on the Spence Funeral Home web site regarding Sammy. Jeff, you have spoken so highly of Sammy to David; I know you will miss him terribly - such a tradegy. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Time will help ease your grief, but you will always have a "void" in your life for such a wonderful young man. Love, Betsy & David.

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January 19, 2023

Bill Basgall posted to the memorial.

January 15, 2022

Mary Ann Wray posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2010

Mary Ann Wray posted to the memorial.