Franklin Wray

Franklin Robert “Bob” Wray, age 80, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 18, 1944, in Roanoke, Virginia. Bob was a proud country boy with a big heart, a bright smile, and a deep love for his family, faith, and country.

Bob was extraordinarily outgoing and friendly; he never met a stranger and made everyone feel like family. He loved talking on the phone, especially with his friends and brothers back home in Virginia, and his voice could bring warmth to anyone’s day.

Bob’s love for his country was deep and unwavering—a proud patriot who lived his faith in God every day. After Sunday worship, his afternoon was often spent watching NASCAR. His enthusiasm for racing was obvious to all who knew him. His Richard Petty Driving Experience was definitely one of the most exciting days of his life. Bob’s Virginia hobbies included hunting and fishing, and in his younger days here in Arizona he once known as the “Captain of the Salt River” because he spent so much time riding the rapids.

Bob began his career as a hardworking certified auto-body technician at age 18 after attending Woodrow Wilson Auto Technology School in Fishersville, Virginia and he continued in the trade for 44 years. Working on cars wasn’t just a job for him—it was something he genuinely loved. He had a sharp eye for detail and a hands-on talent that showed in every repair and restoration. Whether he was fixing up a fender or talking shop with fellow car lovers, Bob’s passion for cars ran deep and stayed with him his whole life.

But above all else, Bob loved Jesus and followed Him in baptism in 1972. He was deeply committed to taking care of his wife and family. Providing for them and being present in their lives and was something he took to heart. He showed his love through hard work, loyalty, and simply being there—always steady, always devoted.

Bob was born to Frank Wray and Exie “Marie” Cooper Willis, the oldest of four sons. He was united in marriage to Nikita “Niki” Kyle Wray of Phoenix, AZ on January 15, 1983. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his daughter Sheri Wray, son Mark Wray and wife Lily, son Chris Wray, and daughter Shawnee Hansen and husband Eric. Bob was also blessed with 3 grandchildren: Brandon, Tara, Gabriela and 1 great grandchild: Eleanor. He is also survived by his brothers who remained close in his heart: Tom Ramsey (June), James “Jimmy” Ramsey, Lee Ramsey (Elaine), and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Christ’s Church of the Valley – North Phoenix Campus on Thursday, August 14th at 10 A.M. All family and friends are welcome.

Address: 15025 N 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85023

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bob’s memory be made to the Phoenix Rescue Mission phoenixrescuemission.org or to the CCV Summer Camps https://pushpay.com/g/ccvdonation?fnd=SoDnRxhc2dEsm8tNvW81QA&lang=en&src=pcgl