Richard Baxter Cray, Jr. "Dick"

Dick Cray, 57, of Destin, FL, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2012. He will forever be remembered as an adoring husband, devoted father, loving “Poppy,” son and brother and for the legacy of love he shared.

Dick was born in Neptune, NJ to Richard B. Cray and Gloria (Potvin) Cray. He began his early education in Atchison, KS. The family moved to Weston, MO where young Dick attended elementary, junior high and the first two years of high school where he was an outstanding student and athlete. During his junior & senior years, Dick attended Shattuck Preparatory Academy in Faribault, MN, graduating in 1972 where he lettered in basketball, baseball and received several academic honors. Dick then earned a journalism degree at the University of Kansas (1976) where he was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and met the love of his life Mary Anne Finholm.

Dick and Mary were devoted soul mates, enjoying 32 wonderful years of marriage. They were blessed with three beautiful children who were the light of their lives. Their many passions included traveling the world, civic and cultural events, dancing the night away, long walks on the beach, and entertaining countless friends and family members over the years. Dick was always the consummate host and very generous to all who knew him. His generosity was appreciated by countless individuals. Dick was an active member of Church of the Resurrection, and a proud member of Young Presidents Organization, enjoying its many functions and relationships.

In his 20’s, Dick began his career learning the spirits trade with McCormick Distillery in Weston and Eastern Distributing of Overland Park, KS. Dick then purchased Eastern Distributing changing its name later to Premier Beverage Distributing. Dick grew the business from a small regional company to a statewide industry leader. He successfully led the sale of Premier to a national distributor in 2001 and for the last few years has overseen many different projects.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria and is survived by his wife, Mary (Finholm) Cray; daughter, Kathryn Brennan Corrigan (Bryan & sons Charlie & Baxter – all of Dallas); son, Richard B. Cray III (Ashley); daughter, Elizabeth Finholm Weber (Mike); his father, Richard B. Cray Sr.; sister, Patty Mach (Scott); brother, Tom Cray (Ellen); brother, Sonny Cray (Kimm) of Tucson; and many nieces and nephews. Dick also looked forward to two additional grand babies on the way.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 12th, 1:00 PM at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, at 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66224. A reception will follow the service at the church.

The family wishes to say thank you for all of the outpouring of affection and prayers. In lieu of flowers, friends may send donations to the Church of the Resurrection (in memory of Dick Cray), and donations will be distributed according to the family’s wishes.