Ray was born January 24, 1925 in Temple, GA to J.O. and Tommie Chambliss Wren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years, Joann Holland Wren and brother James T Wren.
He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a Christian and a member of Heritage Baptist Church.
Ray was one of the “Greatest Generation” serving in WWII in the Pacific with the 11th Airborne Division (The Angles), 127th Airborne Engineers, which is strange since he was fearful of heights and later in life refused to stay above the 2nd floor in any hotel. He laughed when telling the story of the training jump near Dog Island in Florida and that all he could see from a thousand feet was water. Not being a swimmer, this gave him great concern. Upon landing, he thought he was going to drown until he realized all he needed to do was stand up since the water was only 3 feet deep.
After serving his country, he returned to civilian life and begin his lifelong love of automobile repair. He met Joanne on an arranged date, and they were married on August 10, 1947. He loved cars and motorcycles and sold his beloved Indian to purchase Joanne’s wedding ring. They lived, loved and danced together for the next 65 years.
Ray and Jo were active in the Douglasville Chapter of the Jaycee’s and Jaycette’s, the forerunner to the Chamber of Commerce, where Ray served as Vice President. By this time, he had established himself as a professional in the auto body business. In 1974, Ray and his youngest son Phil Wren formed Wren’s Body Shop on Katherine Street and in 1985 opened at the current location on Fairburn Road. Ray told his oldest son Jimmy that with his drawing skills he should find a less “dusty” career. He did but
has his Dad and brother’s love for cars.
Wren’s Body Shop grew under the steady hands of Ray, Phil and grandson James Wren and expanded to 4 locations serving Douglas and Carroll Counties. Ray was hands on until 2006 when Joanne became ill and he cut his days down to 3 or 4 so he could spend more time with her.
Ray and Joanne doted on their grandchildren, Stephanie, James and Jessica with numerous trips to the beach. Once the grandchildren grew older, they continued their trips to Mexico Beach, Tampa, Daytona, and Nashville (for the Grand Old Opry) for many years. Ray sat on the porch watching traffic on Highway 98 and sunsets over Mexico Beach, while Joanne enjoyed trips to sit and sun. On one trip when Jimmy and Phil were very young Ray was showing them how to ride a float. He caught a wave and all that could be seen were two extremely long legs. He came up laughing having not drowned.
He never spoke ill of anyone, and for those who knew him they would tell you he was good man, honest and caring, with an unspoken love for God, family and country. He possessed character, great humor, integrity, and dignity. He loved a good joke and had an infectious laugh both at himself and things he found funny. He loved old cars and collected more than his share according to Joanne.
Ray is survived by his two sons, Jimmy and Joycie Wren, Phil and Amy Wren. Grandchildren: Stephanie Remillard, James and Aislinn Wren, Jessica and Adam Varney. Great grandchildren: Blake and Hudson Remillard, Gracie, Jamin and Jonah Wren, Owen and Nolan Varney; and step great grandchildren: Bella and Atlas. Nephews: Michael Walton, Jon and Brandi Walton, Steven Walton, and Faye and Alan Hale. Caregivers: Maria Howard, Wanda & Joe Austin, Wanda Varner and Linda and Charles Dobbs.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 1 to 3 PM.
The funeral service will follow at 3 PM in the Rosehaven Chapel with Reverend Gene Fields and Brian Berryhill officiating. Interment will follow at Rosehaven Memorial Park.
Flowers accepted, or donations may be made to Heritage Baptist Church, 8800 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, GA 30134.
Those wishing to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at www.whitleygarner.com
Arrangements by: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246
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