DENNIS ‘DENNY’ RAY BRAY

July 19, 1946 – June 16, 2023

Dennis “Denny” Ray Bray, 76, passed away on June 16, 2023 in Petoskey, Michigan. Denny was born on July 19, 1946 to Raymond and Nina Bray in Alpena, Michigan. He is survived by his wife Lucille, brother Richard Bray of Alpena, Michigan, sisters Patricia (Ernesto) Segura of Redmond, Oregon, Kathleen (Raymond) Anderson of Alpena, Michigan, brother Robert (Natalie) Bray of Seattle, Washington, and fifteen nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Alpena High School in 1964, Denny attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, moving on to work at General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan until being drafted into the U.S. Army. After his military service, Denny remained in Barstow, California where he eventually met and married his wife Lucille in May 1981. Denny and Lucille relocated from California to Alpena in 1988. Denny worked over 20 years as an Architectural Technician for R.S. Scott Associates, retiring in 2017. Denny’s skill in design and construction management resulted in numerous professional buildings throughout the northern lower and upper peninsulas. From Road Commission garages and salt barns, to a juvenile detention facility and an ice rink, a church parish hall and a youth center, Denny’s expertise in a fast-fading profession was well respected and highly sought after. Even after retirement, he consulted when needed and was proud to have served on the City of Alpena Zoning Board of Appeals for several years, including serving as Chair at the time of his passing.

From an early age, Denny developed a lifelong passion and skill in analyzing, taking apart, and fixing electric motors, leading to a hobby of racing formula karts at tracks in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon during his time in California, and later at tracks in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. He loved watching all forms of motor sports whether in person or televised. He inherited from his father, Ray Bray, the ability to spin a good story or pass on a joke or two, a trait that delighted so many. Denny and Lucille have lovingly parented numerous dogs and a cat and ask that any donations be sent to Huron Humane Society.

Visitation and a service to celebrate Denny’s life will take place at McWilliams Funeral Home on Sunday, June 25, 2023 with visiting hours from 3 p.m. until the service at 5 p.m. with the Rev. Tyler Bischoff officiating. Internment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery on Monday at 1 p.m. with military honors being accorded by VFW Post 2496.