Rey “David” Bray, 72, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his loved ones.
Rey was born on March 6, 1950, in Pueblo, Colorado and grew up primarily in Fountain, Colorado. He attended and graduated from Fountain-Fort Carson High School in 1968.
Rey met the love of his life, Joyce Marie Engelbart, on a blind date in June 1974 and they married on October 5, 1974, at Atonement Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs.
Shortly thereafter, Rey suffered severe kidney failure and was granted a new gift of life on July 25, 1982, when he received his kidney transplant. Rey was very proud to be a transplant recipient and was eagerly awaiting his upcoming 40th kidney anniversary.
Rey loved spending time with family, going out to eat, surfing the internet, listening to music and singing karaoke. During his younger, healthier years, he loved working on and racing his 1964 Chevy II Nova, skiing with his daughter, and traveling, particularly to participate in the annual organ transplant games.
Rey is survived by his wife, Joyce; their two children, Shannon (Jason) Morris and Michael Bray of Colorado Springs; five grandchildren, Nolyn, Nathan, Kyler, Cambrye, and Trey of Colorado Springs; sister, Linda (Dave) Saffold of Colorado Springs; brother, William “Bill” (Melanie) Bray of Maricopa, Arizona; five nieces and nephews, Michelle, Mark & Jordan (Thamanna) Saffold, Leesha (Chad) Mecham & Zachary (Hali) Bray as well as many loving cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elesia Bernice (Quintana) Bray and Raymond Bray of Fountain, Colorado; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Vera Engelbart of Belle Plaine, Iowa.
A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Cåron Heinemann Corey
6 Jul 2022My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Sending love, strength and prayers.
Heaven has gained a wonderful man.
Michael Bray
7 Jul 2022Toughest, Strongest Man I know. That’s my Dad.
Shannon Morris
9 Jul 2022Love you! ❤️
Your wife Joyce
14 Jul 2022Goodbye my sweet love I will miss you forever. There well be a void in my life untill I meet you in heaven.
Anonymous
14 Jul 2022Goodbye, Rey. Going to miss hanging out around the holidays and watching all the joy you bring to the grandkids and everyone else.
Don Hill
1 Oct 2022I will miss you Ray Bray and all your phone calls.You were a great friend and prayers go out your wife and family.Don Hill and Linda Lou Slagle.