W.P. Wray, Jr.

W.P. Wray, Jr (affectionately known as Bill) passed away on February 2, 2017 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren at the Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 88 years old.

Bill was born on October 22, 1928 in Camden, Arkansas to Willie Perry and Nell Wray. Bill earned a football scholarship in 1947 to attend Louisiana State University where he earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration. After serving as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he returned to LSU Law School and earned a law degree. Over the course of more than 50 years, Bill enjoyed a distinguished law career in Baton Rouge beginning in 1958, achieving an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbel. For over 30 years Mr. Wray guided and steered the AGC legal efforts defending the Public Bid Law and the single contract method of construction. He is the only non-AGC staff/contractor that is an LAGC Honorary Lifetime Member. He also served as President of the Louisiana Good Roads & Transportation Association. He retired in 2012 from Wray and Pierce, LLP. Bill was a Past Master of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge 414. He was also an active member of First Baptist Church of BR and served as church legal counsel. Though Bill was proud of his professional legacy, he always said he left his greatest legacies through his family.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Roshto Wray; son Russel Wray and his wife Rhona Wray; daughter Becky Ellis Anderson and her husband John Anderson; eight grandchildren, Worth Wray, Jacob Wray, Jenna Wray, James Wray, Jordan Ellis, Collin Ellis, Rebecca Ellis, Josh Ellis; and five step grandchildren, Cullen Anderson, Hallie Anderson, Lily Anderson, Natasha Kirschling and James Kirschling.

He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Willie Perry and Nell Wray, and his brother Warring Wray.

His funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge at 11:45 AM on Saturday, February 4. Visitation begins at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to National Down Syndrome Congress, 30 Mansell Court, Suite 108, Roswell, Ga. 30076 or First Baptist Church, 529 Convention Street, Baton Rouge, La. 70802.

Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

First Baptist Church
529 Convention St
Baton Rouge, LA  70802
Saturday, February 4, 2017
10:30 am - 11:45 am

Service

First Baptist Church
529 Convention St
Baton Rouge, LA  70802
Saturday, February 4, 2017
11:45 am