Robert "Bob" E. Bray

Robert “Bob” Bray

87, of Camden, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025.

He was born May 29, 1938 in Lanier Township, to the late Howard L. and Agnes B. (Walker) Bray.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth (Kolb) Bray; daughters, Dawn (Steven) Smith and Tracy (Kevin) Jahn; granddaughters, Emma and Abbey Jahn; brother, Eldon Bray; and nephew and nieces.

He graduated from Camden High School, Class of 1956. In his earlier years, Bob enjoyed bowling on a league and the spirited shuffle of cards around the kitchen table. Whether he was playing Shanghai Rummy or a marble board game with family or an afternoon Poker game with the guys, Bob brought just the right mix of competitiveness and fun.

Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard of Ohio in January 1960 as an Armor Crewman, and in January 1964, he transitioned to active status at Nike Hercules Missile Base in Oxford, Ohio. Over the course of his 38-year career, he transferred to the 210th Radio Controlled Aerial Target Detachment in Dayton, the Organizational Maintenance Shop in Eaton, and the HHC 371st Support Group in Kettering. Along the way, he earned many awards and decorations such as the Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Ohio National Guard Faithful Service Ribbon with 1 OLC. Bob was promoted to Master Sergeant in 1997 before retiring with an Honorable Discharge on May 28, 1998.

A visitation will be held Friday, December 12 from 11AM to 12PM with the funeral service immediately following at BALES FUNERAL HOME, Camden. Bob will be laid to rest at Fairmount Cemetery, Camden.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff at Care360 and to Dr. James Thomson and his staff.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Camden FISH Food Pantry, 230 S. Main Street, Camden, Ohio 45311

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