On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Antonio N. “Tony” Wray age 41 a lifelong resident of Welch, WV, who departed this life at (WVU) Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. Tony was born April 10, 1980 in Welch and the son of Rhonda L. (Chatten) and the late Alphonso “Bro” Wray III. Tony was a graduate of Mount View High School and had attended St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Welch. Tony first began working at Goodson’s Supermarket and was later employed by the Commission on Aging both located in Welch. He had worked at Superior Wells in Kimball, WV and was last employed as a Correctional Officer at Stevens Correctional Center in Welch, after 15 years of employment due to health challenges. Tony genuinely lived each day to generously show love and concern to his Family and to others. He enjoyed family activities and was known as “the Grill Master.” His pastimes were spent watching television.
In addition to his Father, Alphonso “Bro,” (who passed on Wednesday, October 6, 2021), Tony was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Allie M. and Hattie B. Chatten and paternal grandparents, Alphonso II. and Madeline D. Wray.
Tony leaves life long, cherished memories to his Mother, Rhonda Wray; his Wife, soulmate and best friend, Shenika T. Ward Wray and their girls: Tesmaudia N. Ward, Ty’Quashia S.M. Wray and Tiychiera N. Wray all of the home; his Nephew, A.J. Wray whom he regarded as a son; his Brothers: Alphonso Wray IV., of Welch, Allan Wray and Andre Wray both of Bluefield, WV and a cousin, Mike Wray whom he considered a brother. Tony’s mother-in-law, Bessie Cockrell, father-in-law, Darrell Ward and grandmother-in-law, Vennie Ward and a host of uncles, aunts; nephews and nieces; several generations of cousins; many other relatives and friends who loved him.
Antonio “Tony’s” Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, February, 10, 2022 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church 135 Court Street in Welch, with Pastor George Masterson and the Reverend William Spencer officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery 1917 W. Main Street in Princeton, WV. Tony’s Brothers and Cousins will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearer, Deon Kelsor. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., until the Service hour. Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, (to leave online condolences: gregory-pagefh.com.)
Please be advised, both COVID protocol and the wearing of masks will be followed.