Ronnie Leigh Wray

TRIPOLI - Ronnie Leigh Wray, 74, died Friday, October 10, 2025, at his home in Tripoli surrounded by family. He lived life his own way – with grit, humor and a touch of stubborn charm that those who knew him won't forget. Ron was born July 3, 1951, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Guy and Marlys (Webrand) Wray Jr. He graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1969, and devoted his career to serving his country, starting with two tours in Vietnam as a UH-1 “Huey” Crew Chief, first with a small aviation unit with the 9th Infantry Division at Tan An and then with the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Eagle until finishing his last 3 months with the 1st Aviation Brigade. He returned home April 8th, 1972, and began his career with the Army Aviation Support Facility (ASAF) in June. He supported the AASF as a Helicopter mechanic through September of 2006, when he joined the Iowa Counterdrug Task Force. He served in the Iowa Army National Guard in tandem, most notably as the First Sergeant of Troop D. He retired from service on October 31st, 2010, with a Legion of Merit award among many other honors, shortly after returning home from a tour in Iraq where he served with Company B, 248th Aviation Support Battalion. On September 28, 1974, he was united in marriage to Linda Jodene “Jody” Murphy in Springdale, Arkansas after a short courtship involving a McDonald's. Together they built a life of love and laughter welcoming three daughters, a son and many grandchildren. Ron was a man of honor and integrity, always upholding what he believed to be righteous and true. He had a knack for collecting just about anything that caught his eye, and generously provided for anyone, often with 2-day prime shipping. He loved his Harleys, NASCAR (#3), camping and boating, but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his children and grandchildren. A softball player who never lost his competitive spark, he coached his two oldest daughters, leaving behind countless memories of dusty diamonds and post-game laughs and lessons. He spent many years in short shorts distance running and happily shared his knowledge with anyone interested in becoming a stronger runner. A card shark at heart, he enjoyed nearly every card game known to man, except PHASE10, which he swore (literally) was invented just to test his patience. Ron loved Halloween and Christmas with equal enthusiasm and had a special fondness for the Wizard of Oz, spending years perfecting his rendition of the Wicked Witch of the West with his oldest daughter. His favorite movies included The Ten Commandments, A Christmas Carol, Up, Planet 51, and just about any Western ever made. His singing was equally unique, from the “Oscar Mayer Wiener” song to the “Lollipop Guild.” Known by many, especially his children, for a temper that could stop you in your tracks with just one look, those same eyes could light up a room with love, pride and mischief. Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jody of Tripoli; four children, Teri (Tim) Rottinghaus of Waterloo, Katie (Andrew) Boldt of Tripoli, Michael Wray of Tripoli, and Jessi (Scott) Rechkemmer of Oran; twelve grandchildren, Clayton, Nick, Evelyn, Eli, Dak, Breann (Tyler), Ashlynn, Logan, Liam, Jensen, Tate and Anna Beth; his mother, Marlys Wray of Cedar Falls; and two sisters, Sandy (Dan Scroggin) Walters and Dawn (Sam) DeBord, both of Evansdale. Preceded in death by his father, Guy Wray Jr. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Richardson Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, with graveside service at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the funeral home. Full Military Honors will be performed by the Iowa Army National Guard and the Cedar Falls AMVETS Post #49. Online condolences may be directed to:www.richardsonfuneralservice.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Ron will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten, especially by those who were lucky enough to be loved (or scolded) by him.

Ronnie Leigh Wray

July 3, 1951 - October 10, 2025