Aaron Leon Bray, 76, of Burgaw passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at home.

Born October 26, 1942 in Central Texas, Aaron joined the US Navy right out of high school and served our country as Machinist Mate on the submarine, USS Spinax, during the early years of the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he returned home to train in the field of air conditioning/refrigeration and civil engineering. He also taught classes at his local community college.

Aaron is survived by his wife, Diane, whom he married 50 years ago; his two daughters, Delores D'Amico along with her husband Vincent of California and Amanda Underwood with her husband Fred of Hawaii; three grandchildren, Sarah Boggs and her husband Michael of Texas, Accrina Grandin and her husband Kyle of Wilmington, NC; as well as grandson, Atticus Mills of Kentucky.

While raising his family, Aaron moved them to northern California, and then overseas to the Far East to the islands of Okinawa and the Philippines. Upon returning to the states, Aaron was awarded "Civilian of the Year" at Travis Air Force Base in California where he was responsible for all building maintenance on the entire base. Retirement was full of worldwide travel, a move to Arkansas, and eventually moving to both of the Carolinas. An amateur carpenter, Aaron made several elegant pieces of furniture for his wife, Diane and both of his daughters and grandchildren.

A man of few words, Aaron had a huge heart and even bigger family. He is also survived by his two siblings, Marjorie Lurline Flanagan and Alvin Leroy Graham, both of Texas and their children, Aaron's four nieces and four nephews. Special memories and lots of love go out to his niece, Tracie Love along with her two sons, Preston and AJ, for all of their support and prayers during the past few weeks.

Graveside service will be 12 noon on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Point Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540. The Rev. William Smith will conduct the service.

In lieu of flowers, Aaron has requested that donations be sent to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401, website – https://www.lcfh.org/.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Guestbook or Tribute Wall.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.