Arthur F. Fray

Reverend Arthur Fray went home to be with the Lord on Thursday morning after enjoying Christmas with family. A native of Kennett, Missouri, he was the son of Marion and Myrtle Fray. He lived a full life of service to God and family. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 61 years, Julia "Judy" Ann Fray of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his children; his dear son David and wife Judy Fray of Honolulu, Hawaii and his wonderful daughter Brenda and husband Wesley Mahone of Longview, Texas. His granddaughters and spouses: Courtney and Martin Dingemanse of Grapevine, Texas, Kristen Michelle and James McKeehan, their children Landon and Iyla of Prosper, Texas and Michelle Ann Mahone that died shortly after birth who welcomed him in heaven. His grandsons and spouses: Ryan and Jamie Fray and their children Taylor, Caleb and Kennedy of Grapevine, Texas, Matt and Leigh Ann Mahone and their children Maylee, Ella, Hadley and Wylie of Southlake, Texas. He was an excellent grandfather to his four grandchildren and his nine great-grandchildren.

Art also leaves behind his beloved older brother Marion Bud Fray who led Art to the Lord at age 15 and his wife Jane Fray that was special to him and resides in Crossville, Tennessee. His caring older sister Mary Fray Meredith of Rector, Arkansas, the other surviving siblings; his brother Paul and wife Mary Fray of Sherwood, Arkansas, his brother George and wife Linda Fray of Jonesboro, Arkansas, his sister Ann Tucker of Rector, Arkansas, his sister Nancy and husband Roy Threet of Naples, Florida, and his sister Emily and husband Michael Atkins of Summers, Arkansas. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by mother, Myrtle Fray, father, Marion Fray, step mother, Latrieve, sister Joan Fray Stitt and husband Jim, two of the triplets Jon and Jene, and sister Martha Jane.

He was a graduate of Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where he was known as "Archie". He also held two degrees from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He served in churches in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois and Oklahoma. He retired as Pastor Emeritus of the Northwest Baptist Church of Austin, Texas.

Art was a marvelous communicator of God's love for all through music and sermons. His legacy is one of commitment to family, deep faith, and a kind spirit. The family expresses their appreciation to the many friends, neighbors, church members, and his caregiver Suzanne that all assisted with kindness and helped bear the burden of this year's struggle with illness. We have lost a husband, father, grandfather, and friend in this walk on earth, but gained a treasure in Heaven.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at Northwest Baptist Church with funeral services beginning at 2:30 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30th at Reed Hill Cemetery in New Boston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Northwest Baptist Church, 6301 Woodrow, Austin, TX 78757.