Gary Lee Pray

Gary Lee Pray, age 75, of Grand Blanc, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in Traverse City. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc. The visitation will take place from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday and again from 1:00 PM until the time of service on Saturday. A graveside service will take place at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 13, 2023, at Great Lakes National Cemetery with Military Funeral Honors. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Genesee County Humane Society. 

Gary was born on February 11, 1948, in Flint, the son of the late Jack Pray and Sally (Burk) Szigety. He attended Flint Northern High School. Gary proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in 1970. He was honored with the Purple Heart during the Vietnam War. Gary continued his education at the University of Michigan earning his Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He was an owner and Senior Residential Appraiser with Cook, Pray, Rexroth and Associates. Gary was united in marriage to Karen on June 13, 1986. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, traveling, boating, mountain biking, riding the Harley Davidson and taking the Jeep off road. Gary was an avid Michigan fan. His other hobbies included scuba diving, wood carving, dancing, magician, tending to his fish tanks, and he had his pilot’s license. His last accomplishment was finishing the 28-mile Iceman Race. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Pray; children, Brian Warren, Brenda Cruthers (Todd Neveau) and Kristin (Perry) Green; grandchildren, Lindsay (Lorne) Ferguson, Brooke Cruthers, Hayley Cruthers, Elizabeth Green, Lexis Green and Mark Green; sister, Susan Pray Silverthorn; several nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sons, Eric Pray and Bruce Schluckbier; brother, David Pray; stepfather, Lou Szigety; and stepmother, Laverne Pray. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com