July 24, 1925 — Sept. 20, 2015

Kenneth Ernest Spray, 90, of Greenville, formerly of Niles, Michigan, passed away Sept. 20, 2015, at Baylor Medical Center of Garland. His memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday Nov. 21, at First Presbyterian Church in Niles with Pastor Fran Lawrence officiating.

Ken was born in Allegan, Michigan, on July 24, 1925. He was the son of S. Russell Spray and Minnie Marie Commans Spray. He joyfully wed Elaine Maxine Kaule on Dec. 27, 1947; and they celebrated more than 67 years of marriage.

Ken proudly served his country in WWII, joining the Navy in October of 1943. He served in the Pacific Theatre on multiple destroyers installing, monitoring, and maintaining vital sonar equipment until his honorable discharge in April of 1946.

Ken was a lifelong learner. He graduated in 1951 from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science in metallurgical engineering. He later went on to graduate in 1974 with a master’s in metallurgical engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He had at least one patent credited to him during his long career in metallurgy. Ken was a member of Tau Beta Pi, and a lifelong registered professional engineer.

One of his proudest accomplishments was ensuring his children received college degrees. Survivors include his wife, Elaine M. Spray of 67 years; sons Michael K. Spray and wife Sherry of Phoenix, Arizona, and Donald A. Spray and wife Lenora of Harpers Ridge, Kentucky; daughter Kathy Petty and husband Kendal of Nevada, Texas; sister Nancy Perry and husband Marvin of Grand Haven, Mich.; grandchildren Amber Clark, Mike Larson, Ross Spray, Stephany Spray, Diana Spray, Rachel Petty, Josh Petty Rayna Petty; and great-grandchild Alex Larson.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Namenye.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Spray, Don Spray, Kendal Petty and Josh Petty.

Donations may be made to the college scholarship funds at United Presbyterian Church Greenville, Texas in Ken’s honor.