DEER ISLE — Byron S. Bray, 90, of Deer Isle passed away May 6, 2017, after a brief illness at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital.
Byron was born June 29, 1926, at Deer Isle. He grew up on Deer Isle and graduated from McKinley H.S. Class of 1944. Immediately after graduation, he was drafted into the Army, where he served in Italy during WWII, achieving the rank of sergeant. Upon an honorable discharge, he returned home, where he went to work as a mason. Byron helped build numerous stone fireplaces on the island as well as some on outlying islands. Byron was also employed by numerous carpenters for many years.
Byron was predeceased by his parents, Sargent W. and Elizabeth (Gross) Bray, his wife of 37 years Lenora “Lonie” (Eaton), a stepdaughter, Betsy H. (Bowden) Betts, and one sister, Ardelle Barbour.
He is survived by one son, Russell B. Bray, and his wife, Carol, two special granddaughters, Heather Oliver and Erin Bray, great-granddaughters Lillian Oliver Josannah and Willow Walker. One sister, Edna Gray, and one brother, Milton Bray, and his wife, Marjorie “Muffin.” Two grandsons, Joshua and Ryan Betts, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to the staff at Island Nursing Home and to Blue Hill Memorial Hospital for the care at the ends of Dad’s life.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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