Msgt. William D. Wray was called out to Eternal TDY on January 13, 2025, trading in his flight line for a higher command post. A decorated Air Force veteran with 20 years of service under his belt, Msgt. Wray then grounded himself in a 25-year career as an award-winning mechanic at Southwest Airlines. Known for his quick wit and sharper tools, he once famously quipped to a pilot who asked how long it would take to fix a plane, “Depends… how long do you want it to fly?”

But Msgt. Wray was far more than the sum of his uniforms, flight patches, and toolkits. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and an unparalleled storyteller. For 52 years, he was the steadfast copilot to his beloved wife, Santa Wray. Together, they navigated life’s turbulence with humor and grace, building a legacy of love and loyalty.

As a father to William D. Wray II and his wife Denise, and Nathanael D. Wray and his wife Kara, Msgt. Wray always made it clear that his family was his proudest mission. His grandchildren—Brianna, Victoria, Jake, Emma, Aryanna, and Summer—were the light of his life, and his great-grandchildren, Johnathen and Evelynn, brought even more joy to his world. He delighted in every accomplishment of his children and grandchildren, and he cherished the love and support of Denise and Kara, who completed his family with their grace and warmth.

A man of great generosity, Msgt. Wray had a knack for giving freely—whether it was his time, money, or wisdom—expecting nothing in return. He believed that helping others wasn’t just an obligation but a privilege. Those fortunate enough to serve under his leadership in the Air Force often described him as “a great leader, a great man, and a great friend.”

While Msgt. Wray has taken his final flight, his legacy of love, laughter, and selflessness remains firmly grounded in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of cards and flowers, the family asks that you honor Msgt. Wray’s spirit of giving by making a donation to Veteran Advocacy Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at https://veteransadvocacyservices.org/donate.

Msgt. William D. Wray, you may now rest easy, knowing your mission is complete. As you’d say, “Clear skies, smooth landings, and a well-stocked toolbox.”