Kent W. Wray

Kent Wagner Wray, age 93, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 31, in Dallas, TX. Kent’s life was dedicated to serving the Lord as a husband and father, pastor, missionary, writer, Bible teacher, and friend to many. Kent was born on July 18, 1921 to Bailey and Orpha (Wagner) Wray in Kenton, Ohio. During Kent’s early years the family moved to Plainwell, MI where he grew up and graduated from Plainwell High School. When Kent was 10 years old he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. As a teenager, he spent several summers as a camper at Maranatha Bible Conference, Muskegon, MI. It was through the influence of his counselors and camp speakers that Kent chose to dedicate his life to vocational Christian ministry. At the age of 16 Kent went to Bob Jones College, Cleveland, TN, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Pastoral Studies. He also attended Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. Upon graduation, Kent became the pastor of Day Bible Church, Augusta, MI. It was there Kent met his bride and the love of his life, Evelyn Bostwick. Kent and Evelyn were married November 13, 1948. They were blessed with nearly 58 years of marriage. Kent was pastor of Goodells Gospel Church, Goodells, MI from 1948-1954 and Lake Center Bible Church, Portage, MI from 1955-1958. In 1958 Kent accepted the position of Editorial Vice President of RBM Ministries (then Rural Bible Mission), Kalamazoo, MI. For more than 50 years Kent served writing children’s curriculum and as a missionary to children in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. Kent also enjoyed ministering to children in Gibson City, IL, and various summer camps around the country. It was in 1992 that Kent saw a life-long dream come true with the publishing of his first children’s book, “Boy from Shacktown.” Ten more children’s books followed. Besides writing himself, he also enjoyed teaching writing workshops for children. Kent was a member of Covey Hill Baptist Church, Paw Paw, MI for 56 years, where he served faithfully in various capacities, most recently as an adult Bible teacher. Kent considered the congregation his “family.” For the past year and a half Kent has resided with his daughter, Mary Compton, in Dallas, TX. Most recently Kent was a resident of the Villages of Lake Highlands Skilled Nursing Facility. Kent will be deeply missed by his 5 children: Lois Riddick (Edward), Oshkosh, WI; Stephen Wray (Patricia), Vancouver, WA; Ruth Corrie (John), Three Rivers, MI; Mary Compton (Donald), Dallas, TX; Elisabeth “Beth” Thomas (Paul), Lexington, NE. Kent was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bailey and Orpha Wray; his dear sister, Marian Wray; his beloved wife, Evelyn; his precious granddaughter, Pamela Ruth Corrie; great-grandson, Caiden Davis; and great-granddaughter, Natalie Jean Riddick. Visitation and a celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 14 at Covey Hill Baptist Church, Corner of M-40 Hwy and 28th Avenue, Paw Paw, MI. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2pm, with the Celebration of Life at 2pm. Memorials may be made to RBM Ministries. Arrangements by the GOBLES CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home.

Kent W. Wray

July 18, 1921 - January 31, 2015