Duane Bray

Duane Bray

July 1, 1948 to January 15, 2016

Duane Bray, age 67, of Roswell, NM went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 15, 2016, after a courageous fight with cancer. When asked when he wanted to be prayed for, he would say "fight". He passed peacefully at his home with his sweet family by his side. Duane was born in Ft. Worth, TX on July 1, 1948 to his father C.L. Bray and mother Deene Vaughn Bray, both of whom have preceded him in death.
Duane moved to Roswell in 1994 with the love of his life Sandy and son David.

Daughter Shannon and family later moved here from Virginia. Duane was a real "traveling man" seeing much of this great nation while "working over the road". Being a truck driver he drove his way across the USA seeing much of the country, but deep down inside, Duane was a small town guy whose real enjoyment came from the satisfaction of being with his family. For Duane, the only love that exceeded that of his wife and children was the love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and that love was seen in his sweet and kind spirit that overflowed into his love for his family. The one thing he wanted most was to be a testament to Jesus' grace and love. He knew one of the first things he would hear is "well done my good and faithful servant."

This sweet gentle man with such a wonderful laugh has captured hearts his whole life. 51 years ago, when a 14 year old girl and this 17 year old boy on crutches (from a football injury) chased her all over McAllen High School at a student council convention, he represented Santa Rosa High and she represented San Benito High. It was truly love at first sight. He was patient and gentlemanly enough to wait 6 years until she was ready to say "I do". They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on June 13, 2015.

Duane had many hobbies, watching his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys play, watching and collecting the original Star Trek series, and even fishing (which was more for the enjoyment of the experience than the success of the catch) but one hobby that he had was absolutely unique. Duane belonged to the Gold Prospectors Association of America. Several years ago he had the opportunity to travel to the cold and harsh town of Nome Alaska, spending two weeks prospecting for gold in this miner's paradise, treasuring this experience and creating life long memories for his family. Aside from prospecting, Duane loved to collect model trains. His favorite was his and the 3 complete sets of the NFL Superbowl winners that he got for his grandsons.

Duane is survived by his wife Sandy Bray, son David Bray and grandson Dominick Bray, daughter Shannon Patrick (Jamie), grandsons Brendan and A.C. and soon to be granddaughter Tahlia, all from Roswell, NM. Extended family include: Donna Bray, and her children Kimberly and Curtis Bray; Sherry and Barry Fies and sons Mark (Mina) and Eric (Amber); Larry (Rose) Loftin and children Connie Walther, Bonnie (Chris) Hixson and Michael (Amy) Loftin; Gary Delorio and children Misty and Jarrett Delorio; Larry Seidel and children Larry Ray and Krystal (Ryan) Emery, Vic and (Pam) Delorio and sons Trey and Jay, Aunts Joyce, Katie, Edith and Judy, his best friend Jim Collins; and numerous cousins, grand nephews and nieces and loving friends.

Duane was preceded in death in addition to his parents by his brother Jamie Bray, father and mother in-law Ray and Rozelle Delorio, and sister-in-law Kim Seidel.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ's Church (2200 N. Sycamore Ave. Roswell NM) with Pastor Gerry Chavez officiating.
Memorial donations in Duane's name may be made to ACS Hope Lodge, 3511 10th St., Lubbock TX 79415, a hospitality lodge that provides cancer patients free lodging while undergoing cancer treatment while in Lubbock.

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