William David Bray

William David Bray, 86, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at Garden Terrace of Overland Park.

William was born February 20, 1927 to the late James William and Inez (Harris) Bray in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas. Bill attended high school in Redfield Arkansas, which he interrupted to serve in the U.S. Navy during WWII. While in the Navy Bill served on the USS Miami as a cook in the Pacific Theater. After being discharged, Bill returned home to Arkansas to complete his high school education, where he met the love of his life, Treatha I. Chandler. They were married June 28, 1949 in Benton, Arkansas. They moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1952 and later bought their first home.

In 1957, Bill started his long career with the Santa Fe Trailway. In August of 1963 Bill was transferred to the Kansas City area, where he retired as Shop Superintendent in 1987 after 30 years of service. Bill was a member of the Abdallah Shrine and the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, camping and working on cars. Bill loved to build dune buggies from VW Beetles. He was proud of the ‘64 ½ Ford Mustang Convertible that he restored.

Bill is preceded in death by his sister, Julia M. Pittman and a granddaughter, Angela C. Latham. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Treatha Bray; two daughters, Barbara J. and husband Warren G. Latham; Lisa Renee Provence; four grandchildren, Jesse Bray Provence; Trisha M. Provence; Wesley G. Latham; and Lindsay R. Byrd and husband Lee; two great grandchildren, Caden Byrd and Lillian K. Frith.

Celebration of Life Services

A celebration of Bill's life will be 4 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Overland Park Lutheran Church, 7810 W. 79th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204.

Memorial Contributions

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108 or to the Disabled American Veteran's, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250.