Sally Ann Spray

Sally Ann Spray, age 66, of Cheboygan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Sally was born on July 1, 1959, in Cheboygan, MI, the daughter of James and Donna (McLeod) Taylor, and was married to Donald J. Spray on September 13, 1990. After graduating from Cheboygan Area High School in 1977, Sally continued her education at Ferris State College where she studied bookkeeping. Sally dedicated 40 years of her professional life to Citizens National Bank, beginning in the loan department, and later serving as a universal banker for the final four years of her career. Don and Sally owned Spray's Plumbing & Heating, which she continued to own until 2021 when she retired.
A passionate musician, Sally was a founding member of the Straits Area Concert Band in Mackinaw City. She shared her love of music by playing clarinet for Cheboygan Area High School musicals, Northland Players productions, and other local ensembles. Sally was deeply involved in civic life as a member of the Cheboygan Lioness Club, and proudly became the first woman to join the Cheboygan Lions Club. Sally was a supporter of the Cheboygan County Fair, Cheboygan County Youth Livestock Program (CCYLP), and the local horse pull. She was a lifetime member of St. James Episcopal Church in Cheboygan. Beyond her community service, she enjoyed traveling, reading, riding roller coasters, and playing cards with her sister. Winters spent in Zephyrhills, Florida, brought her joy and lasting friendships.
After being diagnosed with AML in December 2023, Sally received care at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, and was eventually referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where she participated in a clinical trial examining the use of revumenib (Revuforj) to treat relapsed or refractory AML, which received FDA approval in October 2025. Thanks to her resilience, clinical trial participation, and a successful stem cell transplant in November 2024, she was able to return to activities she loved, including the Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens. Sally was especially thankful for the care and support she received at Moffitt Cancer Center by Katie Herricks, Dr. Rami Komrokji, Dr. Asmita Mishra, and the countless nurses on 4 south who became family.
Sally will be remembered for her kindness, humor, and unique ability to talk to anyone and make them feel welcomed. Sally would specifically like to thank the 32-year-old, unknown man from outside the United States, who made her transplant possible by donating his stem cells. Without this man's generosity and kindness, Sally would not have been able to return to the activities she loved.
Sally is survived by her son, Gregory J. Spray, of Auburn, Alabama; siblings, Rod (Audrey) Taylor and Terry Drake of Cheboygan; sister-in-law, Donna Taylor, of Cheboygan; stepdaughter, Nicole Spray, of Sterling Heights; stepson Gary Spray, of Cheboygan; grandchildren Kayla, Brittany, Austin, and Lauren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Spray; parents, Jim and Donna Taylor; brother, Ned Taylor; and brother-in-law Michael Drake.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, supporting Myeloid-Leukemia Research Fund, by going to fundraise.moffitt.org/Sally-Spray, or mailing a check to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation (12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612). Memorial contributions can also be made to the Straits Area Concert Band or the Cheboygan Lions Club. If you would like to honor Sally in a different manner, please consider donating blood or registering to be a stem cell donor at https://www.nmdp.org.
Cremation has taken place and arrangements are being handled by Chagnon Funeral Home in Onaway. The family plans to greet friends and hold a memorial service celebrating Sally's life in spring 2026. Additional details will follow when plans are finalized.