Wayne A. Spray, 81, of Cheboygan, passed away Monday, June 4, 2018 at home, five days before his 82nd birthday. A lifelong resident of the area, Wayne was born June 9, 1936 in Riggsville, the son of Archie and Elizabeth (Haffner) Spray. After graduating from Pellston High School, he began employment at Oldsmobile in Lansing.
In 1957 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany. After his honorable discharge he returned to work in Lansing. In October 1959 in Cheboygan, he married Carol Schmidt.
His love of farming pulled him back to Cheboygan to carry on his in law’s dairy farm, which later became a centennial farm. Wayne was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church and enjoyed volunteering at the church’s food pantry, and also served as director of several organizations. The preservation of our natural res was also important to him, where he served as director of the Cheboygan County Soil and Water Conservation district for many years.
Wayne also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and searching for wild berries. As a dedicated father and grandfather, he made it a priority to attend his children and grandchildren’s sporting, school, and church events. His happiest times were when his family was gathered together on the farm.
Watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought the biggest smile to his face. Wayne is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Bryan (Nancy) Spray of Cheboygan, Betsy (Al) Comstock of Davison, Jamie (Kelly) Spray of Coldwater, and Matthew (Shannon) Spray of Canton, his grandchildren, Bryan and Crystal Spray, Adam and Shannon Spray, Gabriel Comstock, Mikayla, Nathan, and Austin Spray, Katelyn and Nolan Spray, and Amanda (Steve) Birchmeier, his great grandchildren, Collin, Caleb, Charlotte, and Weston Spray, a brother, Jerry (Kathy) Spray of Cheboygan, two sisters, June (Bob) Passino of Cheboygan, and Diane Spray of Gaylord, two sisters in law, Sally Spray and Diane (Bob) McCarthy, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Carol Spray, and three brothers Dean, Don, and Bruce Spray.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00am at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan, with the family greeting friends from 9:30am until the time of the service. Rev. Dave Hueter will officiate, burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church, or McLaren Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www. stonefuneralhomeinc.com.
The Nordman-Christian Funeral Home is caring for the family.
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