Robert E. Wray

Still have you Robert in my thoughts. It was a great pleasure meeting you after your retirement and spending many enjoyable days golfing with you at Blue Hills GC.

Mr. Wray was truly one of the best teachers and coaches anyone could have. He always made sure we pushed ourselves to the fullest. He made our lives at Bramwell High School the best years of our lives. He is missed by all that knew him.

Remembering Coach Wray, I so-enjoyed his classes, and then just conversations we were able to have in those years. The world certainly seems a little darker without him in it; he worked with numerous kids and helped them in every way could; he is missed.

The news of coach passing was hard for me to take. Coach did and always will have an imprint on the man I have become today. Mrs. Wray and Chris I'm very sorry for your loss he was a great man.

I Had the privilege to play for coach from 2000-2004 at PSHS. I was always younger playing with older guys and coach always reassured me to believe in myself and play hard and good things would come. We had years we were on top of the mountain (beating Woodrow first time in 2 decades) and years where we lost games we never should have but coach always kept the same demeanor. Calm, cool and supportive. A gym could be rocking couldn't hear person beside me but he would sound off that famous whistle and I could hear it like I was sitting right beside me. Whether you were the best player or last man on the bench he treated you with respect and cared about your life outside of the gym. But the relationship I had with coach just began in the gym

I could always count on coach if I needed to talk or if I had a problem he would always try to make things right or do the best he could. The man could finish a whole crossword puzzle in half a class period but he would always make sure to leave a couple blank so you would feel better about yourself. Till this day he is one of the sharpest people I've ever known. Above all else coach was a loving family man. He always talked about his beautiful wife and how lucky he was or how proud of Chris he was who was going to Case Western at the time. Coach was a loving soul and was damn good at it. I will and have missed his smile, confidence, and just good hearted nature that he brought everyday. A majority of my memories are of him smiling and that's the way I wanna keep it. RIP coach

I played for Coach at Princeton in the early 2000s. I have countless memories from my time playing for him that I have shared with people over the years. I am now a high school basketball coach and last week after hearing about the passing of Coach I found myself sharing some of those memories with my players. It was one of those moments when they got to see me as more than a coach, a really special time that I will never forget. It was just another way that Coach was reminding me that the most important part of my job as a teacher and a coach is the relationships that I form with the young people I encounter everyday. Thanks for all the lessons you taught me and God bless you Coach.

Coach you will be missed. Even though it's been over 33 yrs since I played for you but some of the principals that you taught me, I still use today. I learned to love the game of BB cause of you. I know God needed you in Heaven so I know your in a better place. Until we meet again, I know your in the palm of God's hand

Sue my deepest Sympathy. Words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel after learning about the passing of beloved husband. May you and Chris always treasure the beautiful times you had together. My Condolences and Prayers are with you and your whole family.

My heartfelt condolence to the family.
Words do not express my feelings at this time, but you know, Sue, I am there with you and I understand. "Do well whilst thou liveth; but regard not what is said of it. Content thyself with deserving praise, and thy posterity shall rejoice in hearing it." What a legacy and great memories You, Chris, and other family members and friends have to share. Rejoice! I'm smiling now just thinking about the times we had together. Find solace in each other and faith in God's Will. Let Robert's noble life be an inspiration and strength unto you.
~Much Love

I was a student of Coach Wray at Princeton Senior High in the early 90's. Coach Wray always had some uplifting words to share with students. Always found time to talk to anyone that needed some advice or motivation. R.I.P. Coach Wray. Tiger 4 Ever!!!

We are so saddened to receive this news. I was a classmate, friend and cheerleader to the best boys in the world. Mike and I loved Blake, Robert, Freddie, and Cornell. I'll never forget all of us standing in the center of the basketball court at VT to play a championship game. We could not believe that little old Franklin County had come so far.

Robert made such an impact on children and young adults. We will never forget him. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts.

Love to all, Jean

We are both shocked and saddened to read of the passing of Coach Wray this evening. Immediately we began to reminisce fondly about our times at BSC with Wiz. He has truly left an indelible mark in the hearts and lives of many as an educator/coach, mentor, and friend with admiration and respect. Had we learned of the memorial sooner, we would have come to pay our respect. To Sue and your family our prayer is that God will cover and comfort you with His love and peace.

Sending the Wray family, healing thoughts, and prayers..Mr. Wray was one of a kind, He will be missed by lots of us that had the honor of his coaching, and teaching.

Sorry to hear of Mr. Wray's passing. He was very supportive of me when I wrestled and other sports. We pray God comforts and strengthens his family.

I worked with Coach several years ago when he became Athletic Director for Roanoke City Public Schools. I cried when I learned of his passing. I am so sorry I am unable to attend today's memorial service.

Coach was a man whom I admired. He was always upbeat, with a laugh that would lighten any room. He was honest to a fault, yet, he had a mischievousness streak that always made me laugh. He loved to recount stories, but shared them with purpose. Every story contained a life lesson, a tidbit for making yourself a better leader, a better person, a better man.

To this day I hang all my clothes to dry because Coach told me that he had just told someone else to stop using the dryer. I told him the lint left behind is your clothing, Coach said. Your clothing doesn't do any good in the lint basket! Your clothes last longer and look better if you attend to them properly.

A coaching moment with a lesson about caring for what you have that was far bigger than lint.

Coach, who honored me be calling me Coach as well, delighted in the success of children and, by his example, inspired others around him. I considered him a friend and a role model. He was a caring man who brought joy and imparted wisdom to everyone he touched. May God bless Coach, and may he rest in eternal peace.

Sorry to learn of Roberts passing. I was looking forward to possibly seeing him again at the next class reunion; guess I will have to wait a little longer now. Robert was a good friend and fellow athlete. I am sure he will be missed by the many people that he touched during his life.

Sue and Chris no words can say how sorry I am for your loss. I just learned of his passing this evening and I'm still in shock. Some of my best memories came from playing basketball and golf for him and later becoming one of his assistant coaches. He was not only a great coach but a close friend. Coach Wray will truly be missed.

To Robert's family and friends - may God give you strength and peace as you pass through this sad time. I will never forget him, my childhood friend.

Thelma Holmes Hill

So sorry to hear of the passing of a great teacher and mentor to all of his students at Bramwell High... You will be missed by many.. May God comfort his family.. Fly High Coach

So sorry to hear of Coach Wray passing. He was a talented coach and an even better friend to all the students at Bramwell High. Prayers go out to the family. It was a pleasure knowing Coach and remembering the good days we had at Bramwell High....Kevin

Extending my heartfelt sympathy to the family of Coach Wray.

So sorry to hear the passing of Coach Wray. He was such a fun teacher and coach. Had him at PSHS in Health and in Gym. He was laid back and would joke around with us. Always a favorite at Princeton. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Coach Wray was such an inspiration to everyone he came in touch with. He was an incredible teacher, coach, and friend to many students at Bramwell High School.... Fly high Coach......you will forever be loved and missed

With his outstanding basketball skills, Coach Robert Wray brought notoriety to Bramwell High School. But even more, his gentlemanly demeanor left ever lasting impressions on his students. Pam and I have fond memories of Robert and Sue from our Bluefield State days.

Our hearts are broken with Robert's passing. He was the best. We have so many fond memories of him. He was so kind. We are so proud to have known him. We grieve with Sue and Chris and the family for their loss. His wings were ready, but our hearts were not. Rest In Peace, dear friend.

With love,
Genevieve,Charles and Candace Phelps

A great coach and a good friend has left our world. But he has gone on to The Spirit in the sky. The Eagle has flown. Please know that you, Sue and Son are in my prayers.

Rest in peace Robert...It was the greatest pleasure knowing you and having you as my neighbor.I will miss our talks about lawn and yard upkeep. You will be missed. Our condolences to the Wray family

To the Wray Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of our dear relative and friend, Robert. God give you strength to go through this difficult time. He was loved by so many people and touched so many lives. Rest in peace dear friend. With Love, The Coles Family, Reverend isiah, Connie, Isiah, Jr., Tiffany, and Little Tre (3 years old).

Sue,my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Rest In Peace Coach Wray! Deepest condolences to Mrs Wray and Chris.

Prayers to the family. Coach Wray was more than just a coach, he was a friend, role model, and father figure to so many. You will be missed. Will always cherish my memories from Bramwell High School.

Tenderly, may time heal your sorrow. Gently, may friends ease your pain. Softly, may peace replace heartaches. And may warmest memories remain.

The Office of Alumni Affairs
Bluefield State College

I am so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. A good man and father...may God bring comfort to his family during the difficult days to come. And to Chris...he spoke your name with so much pride and love...RIP, dear friend.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Sue and Chris, Grief never endsBut it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faithit is the price of LOVE.

May these words comfort you in your time of bereavement and give you peace.
With all my heart and love,

So sad to hear of Coach Wray's passing. I will always remember his infectious passion for basketball and student athletes. Condolences to the Wray Family. He left a strong legacy behind that you should be proud of.

Having good times at Bramwell High with Coach Wray on the basketball court and gym. He was a good friend and teacher. Those are days gone by . RIP.

You will be greatly missed Mr. Wray!!! You was a great coach, teacher, and friend!!! Couldn't of asked for a better one!!! R.I.P. Old friend!!!

Coach Wray was an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. He had a smile that could light up a whole room. I grew up knowing Coach Wray in Bramwell. He led our boys all they way to the top..............So now it's your turn Coach...Go all the way...We will love and miss you always.
Love always, Leslie Blevins Graham.

Sending you love and prayers.

Sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Wray family. Loved being part of the legacy that Coach Wray left at Bramwell High School! Rest easy sir, till we meet again.

Coach Wray was an extremely fair and decent man. I have nothing but good memories regarding both he and his legacy. Praying that his family find comfort and solace in this time of loss.

Our condolences to the entire Wray family.We were shocked and saddened to learn of Coach Wray's passing. Robert was a true gentleman, scholar, and a very good friend to my father. God Bless, John S. Norton & Family

My thoughts are with the family. I will always remember the good times we shared. You were a great coach, friend, and role model. Miss you my friend. Rest in Peace.

Coach Wray was a great teacher and an even better person. He will be missed by many.

Sending prayers for all of you. Robert touched a lot of students/athletes while teaching/coaching at Princeton. He always made teaching/coaching interesting while we shared the gym. He will be missed.

Very sorry to learn of Coach Wray's passing; I have nothing but the fondest memories of him, and cherished the time I was able to spend with him at Bramwell. He will be missed greatly; my heart-felt condolences to his family.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

A great man has left us. It has been an honor and a pleasure to have made a friendship with Robert the past few years. Just meeting him after his retirement on the golf course. You will be missed greatly and thought of often.