Christopher Carlton Wray, 44, of Lawndale passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Carolinas Medical Center surrounded by his family.  He was born I Greenville SC, the son of George nad Annette Wray.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George W. and Nancy B. Wray, his maternal grandparents, Carlton C. and Louise Y. Caruso; and his brother, Julian Stuart Wray.

Mr. Wray was a 1985 graduate of Shelby High School.  He attended Florida State University and East Carolina University.  He was a member of the LPDA of Valdese.

A lover of all sports, Chris was an avid fisherman and huge Tarheel and Oakland Raider fan.  He loved bluegrass music, spending time outside with his kids, building bonfires, and bird watching.  He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle and cousin.

In addition to his parents, Chris is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Michelle and their two children, Christopher and Alice; brother, Scott and wife Mary and their son Jesse of Spruce Pine, NC; father and mother in law, Mike and Linda Turner of Ansonville, NC; and brother in law, Mike Turner II of Pittsboro, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Central United Methodist Church in Shelby.  The Rev. Craig Langston and the Rev. Jeff Erbskorn will be officiating.  Interment will be private.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to the Cleveland County Humane Society, 1609 East Marion Street, Shelby NC 28150, Ascension Lutheran Church, 300 N. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC, 28150 or Central United Methodist Church, 200 East Marion Street, Shelby NC 28150.