Clarence Earl WRAY

WRAY, Clarence Earl

84, of St. Petersburg, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away June 5, 2015, in the presence of his loving family. He was proudly married for 58 years to Joanne L. Wray who he endearingly called "his lovely bride." Known as "CE," he was born Oct 21, 1930 in Whitehall NY, was captain of his football team, HS graduate, and sailor in US Navy, boxing on the squadron team until honorably discharged after the death of his father. Adventurous natured, he continued his education and development in marketing and consulting in multiple venues to include: Albany College of Business; Univ. of Miami on a boxing scholarship; Miami Daily News; George S. May Consulting where he was the Division Mgr. of the East Coast ranging from NYC to Cuba and Puerto Rico; Profit Counselors Mngt. and Consulting Firm; and was a freelance business consultant for numerous companies which eventually brought him to St. Petersburg. Here, CE's entrepreneur spirit landed him in tourism industry launching first the Eastern Airlines Welcome Guide-Map, The Restaurant Menu Guide, and thirdly the Hospitality Industry Association (HIA). CE had a passion for helping people and businesses succeed and worked with active board members from the State of FL Board of Tourism, FL Restaurant Assoc., Hotel Motel Assoc., and FL Attractions Assoc. Well known for his hospitality and engaging ear, CE loved to share a "toddy," fine food, and laughter with all. CE was a diehard Buccaneer fan and season ticket holder before the first stadium was built, loved all sports, and was a sharp poker player loving his monthly games with sons and best friends. He was a member of the American Legion, Elks Club, Ye Mystic Crew of Neptune and Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Most of all, CE loved to gather his family around him. He is survived not only by his wife, Joanne L Wray, but also his children Clarence Wray Jr., Bettye Jo Wray-Fears, Kimberly Perdue and her husband Sam Perdue, Jim Wray and his wife Maggy Gondor; his grandchildren Megan Wray, Kristin Wray, Tracy Wray, Clarissa Wray, CJ Wray, Jennifer Andre, Nicholas Andre, Joshua Wray, Arielle Fears, Michael Fears, Kiamesha Wray, Kelsey Wray, Shea Wray; great-grandson Elijah Moore; Aunt and Uncle Kay and Clayton Wray; and nieces and nephews from his belated sister Dorothy Hart - Donald Hart, Dorothy Hart, Gary Hart, Susan Hart, James Hart, Larry Hart and Lori Speer. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 10, from 5-8 pm at David C. Gross Funeral Home in St. Petersburg. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am Thursday, June 11, at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1800 12th Street North, St. Petersburg with Rev. Msgr. Robert Gibbons, celebrant. A reception will follow at the Wray family home. Burial will be 2:15 pm Monday, June 15 at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Memorial contributions would be appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org. Online guestbook available at

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