Hugh Wavell Beresford Fray departed this life on Friday, September 13, 2019. Hugh Wavell Beresford Fray was born on January 16th, 1942 in Jubillee Kingston, Jamaica W.I. to his Mother Leonie Fidler and Father Sidney Fray.
Hugh's parents moved to the United States in 1955 to find work and establish themselves. At only 13 years of age, Hugh stayed behind in Jamaica with his grandparents to continue his studies at Kingston College in Clovelly Park, Kingston Jamaica. At Kingston College, Hugh played on the school Football Team and was an avid football fan in his younger years.
Hugh graduated from Kingston College and always had fond memories of his time there, often referring to himself as a proud "K.C. Old Boy." Hugh finally arrived in America in the early 60's and joined the United States Navy in 1965 at the age of 23.
He was then promptly sent to the U.S. Naval Training Academy in Great Lakes, Illinois and graduated with honors as an Electricians Mate Class A on October 21st, 1966. He reported to active duty as an Electrician Mate second class. During his travels whilst in the Navy, Hugh visited Germany, Japan, and Okinawa among other places.
He went on to serve valiantly in the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S Okinawa and was commended by the Vice Admiral W.F. Bringle of the U.S. Navy for "outstanding performance of duty while attached to and serving aboard the U.S.S. Okinawa as Petty Officer in charge of the Electrical Power Shop and Electrical Division Training Petty Officer from December 8, 1968 to May 27, 1969 during combat operations. Officer Fray's skill and judgment contributed significantly and directly to the successful accomplishment of the ship's mission and to the United States effort in Vietnam."
While fulfilling his obligation to our country and the US Navy, Hugh married his longtime sweetheart from Cross Keys, Manchester Jamaica Sybil Miekle, on May 19th 1968. A year later, Hugh was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1969. Now a civilian, Hugh spent a short time with his new bride in Brooklyn, NY where they welcomed their first of two boys into the world. Vernon Fray was born May 30th, 1971 and Donovan Fray was born 2 years later on May 13th, 1973.
Hugh with his new larger family in tow, bought his first home and moved to Uniondale in Long Island, NY. in 1974. He started working as a telecommunications technician and over a career spanning 37 years, Hugh worked for Western Electric, NY Telephone, NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies enduring the massive northeastern US's telephone network's split into the "Baby-Bells."
In the years leading up to his retirement, Hugh became a proud member of the St. John's Episcopal Church in Hempstead, NY. It was here that Hugh began to first sing in the church choir and this soon became a great joy of his. As an active member of the St. John's Episcopal Church community, Hugh was honored for "his years of devoted service and dedication to the community and the ministries of St. John's Episcopal Church."
He was also recognized by the Town of Hempstead, NY for “his spiritual devotion and outstanding service to St. John’s Episcopal Church.” Hugh finally was able to retire in 2002 and moved to his brand new retirement home in Palm Coast, Florida. He and his wife Sybil soon after moving became members of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Palm Coast where they were both very active in the church community and Hugh continued to sing in the Chancel Choir for the next 17 years.
He was also a member of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew and was very committed and dedicated to their ministry of spreading Christ's Kingdom among men and youth. Hugh also served on the Vestry at St. Thomas for many terms under different Rectors.
Hugh and Sybil remained happily married for over 40 years until Sybil's death on July 6th, 2008. On May 23, 2012, Hugh wedded Sue M. Baety at St. John's Episcopal Church in Hempstead, NY. The two doubled their uniqueness by combining similarities with each having 2 sons and 2 grandsons.
They too were blessed with a very harmonious gift from God, the love of and for music and singing. Both have served as soloists and members in the St. Thomas Chancel Choir and Palm Coast (CAS) Choral Arts Society. There commonality for movies, eating out, cruising, traveling and enjoying life was a strong hold of their union.
Hugh was a devoted husband and loving father. He is survived by his wife Sue Fray, his two sons, Vernon Fray and Donovan Fray, two loving grandchildren Darien Fray and Daniel Fray, nieces, nephew other relatives and friends...