WRAY William Russell

William (Bil)Russell Wray was born the fourth member of the Wray family of three brothers and three sisters in the Old Gnowangerup hospital on May 10, 1930.

The Wray family have been pioneers in the Gnowangerup and surrounding districts for well over 100 years.

Bill attended school at the Pallinup School for two years until a more substantial school was built at Roundwood.

It was in 1942 when Bill was awarded an entrance scholarship to Albany High School for three years to obtain his junior certificate.

Bill‘s dream at the time was to become an engineer. However, World War II moved bill to return to the family farm to assist his father running the property. It was father, a World War One veteran, who was suffering under constant injuries sustained in a conflict needed Bill to help manage the farm. After a short time, Bill took over the entire management of the property and together with brother Mervyn, build up and ran the farm until it was sold in March 1997.

WILLIAM (Bill) RUSSELL WRAY & HIS WIFE            #1
 

An extremely patriochal and community spirited person, Bill’s interests were wide and varied. He was a life member of the Gnowangerup St. John’s ambulance, President and Captain of the Gnowangerup , Golf Club, Committee Member of the Gnowangerup Bowling Club, President of the Gnowangerup Resource Centre for eight years, President and Serving Member of the Gnowangerup Homes for the Aged, Serving Member of the Gnowangerup Agricultural School Advisory Board for many years specializing in advice on Merino flock sheep. Bill was also an active member of the Gnowangerup Rotary Club, including two terms as President.

He was the first member of the club to be made a Paul Harris Fellow for service to the club and community.

Down the road of his busy life, he met and married Peg and spent many happy years as a loved, and respected husband, father, and grandfather to Peg, Sheryl, Karen, Bevan and their families.

On leaving the farm, Bill transferred his love of farming to his garden of roses, but orchid growing still remained a mystery. He greatly enjoyed his holidays fishing at Coral Bay, and Exmouth, but was at his happiest at Bremer Bay.

Bill was a quiet achiever and strong figurehead who spoke with an acquired wisdom and integrity. He was a man who was never known to speak ill of anyone.

He had a keen sense of humor, and whose friendship and Company was valued by all who knew him. He was a man who was never known to speak ill of anyone.

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:      The Gnowangerup Star

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Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2023