Robert Dixon Wray

March 31, 1932- October 30, 2008

Robert Bob Dixon Wray, 76, of Englewood Florida and High Springs Florida, and formally of St. Petersburg Florida, passed away peacefully at his Englewood home Thursday October 30th, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial service will be held at Lemon Bay Funeral Home, Englewood Florida, on Saturday November 8th, starting at 11:00a.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wray Farm in High Springs Florida on Saturday November 22, 2008, starting at 12:00p.m.

Bob was the son of the late Lewis T. and Adah Hebb Wray of St. Petersburg Fl.

He was a beloved husband to soul mate, Rachel S. Wray of Englewood, Fl.

A loving father to daughters Rhonda Wray Johnson Bob, Risa Wray Klemans Robert, and foster son, the late William Billy C. Yancey. A wonderful step father to Mark J. Stewart Susan, and Michael T. Stewart Cheryl.Bob was a mentor and friend to Ana Carolina Stewart, his constant loyal care giver , along with Jan Fussell friend, neighbor and caregiver.

He was a devoted brother to his only sister, Jane Wray.

Pop Pop to, Erin Johnson Barker Jonathan, Ross C. Johnson, Ryan Wray Klemans, Rhett Wray Klemans, all from High Springs Fl. Taylor L. Wray and Megan A. Wray of Gainesville, Fl.

Jacob Daniel Stewart, Chelsea Hampshire of Seminole, Fl. Phyllis Rachel Stewart, David Kenneth Stewart, and Tom Morgan of Jensen Beach, Fl.

And the best master any dog could hope for, for his pal and ever faithful companion "Buddy".

Bob was a Commercial Fisherman as a young man, he enlisted in 1952 in the U.S. Army, he completed Army Ranger Training and was chosen to compete on the Army Ranger Rifle Team in Europe. He was a Union Electrician, a licensed building contractor, land developer, rancher, farmer, business owner and visionary.

But, above all he was a loving father, grandfather, and devoted husband, a graceful man with a vitality for living and life, unsurpassed.

In his lifetime he developed and built custom homes in the following neighborhoods: Ponderosa, Buttonwood Point, Tanglewood Island and the Harbor Isle, all in Northeast St.Petersburg Fl.

Bob owned a portion of Weedon and Ross Island in Tampa Bay which he sold to the State of Florida, it is currently the Weedon Island State Park and Preserve.

In 1973 he purchased Ginnie Springs in High Springs Fl and began acquiring land along both sides of the Santa Fe River with expectations of opening a family camping, swimming and scuba diving resort. In 1976 he relocated his family to Ginnie Springs and opened the resort. He continued improving the land, cleaning out springs, building bathhouses, decks, and pavilions. He was joined in this work by his future son-in-law, Robert Johnson, and foster son, William C Billy Yancey. Caring for the springs was Bob's labor of love. Bob also acquired Peacock Slough Springs near Mayo Florida which he later sold to the Natures Conservancy; it is currently a state park.

Bob was an avid fisherman, but his passion in later years became gardening. He loved to plant and care for his many fruit tree's. The majority of his time was spent with his wife Rachel, and family.

If you were fortunate enough to have " Mr. Bob" in your life, you were truly blessed.

Bob Wray epitomized kindness, compassion, generosity, honestly and fairness. Bob was a truly unique human being that always chose to see the best in people. He will be missed by legions of people who have better lives because of his interest in their well being. He mentored many younger people and set the standard high just by the example of how he lived his own life.

He loved people, and they loved him.

We give a special thanks to God for the life of Bob Wray, and know he is busy in heaven working harder than ever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34238.

You may express your condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com