George Ware

George "Wray" Ware, 71, of 937 Robertson Lane, Danville, VA was welcomed into God's presence on Monday, January 26th, 2015 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC after a sudden illness. He was born on December 28th, 1943 to the late Herbert D. and Helen Golden Ware. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law, Rayford W. Daniels and his sister-in-law, Beth Jane Fuquay. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Daniels Ware, a son, Daniel Wray Ware (Elizabeth) of Danville, a daughter, Danielle Ware Dana (Stephen) of Southern Pines, NC and three grandchildren; Colston Daniel Ware, Lauren Elizabeth Ware and Paul Ware Dana. He is also survived by a mother-in-law, Ruth B. Daniels, a brother-in-law, James H. Fuquay, Jr., both of Danville, a niece and a nephew. He leaves behind a host of other loving relatives and close friends. Wray loved the Lord and was devoted to his family. He was passionate about his work and was a talented athlete. He possessed a highly competitive nature and was his happiest being outdoors whether on the golf course, hunting, training bird dogs or fishing on a quiet lake. Through these passions, he cultivated many life-long friendships. He grew up in Danville, VA, graduating from George Washington High School in 1962 where he was an all-star athlete in football, baseball and basketball. Wray attended Wilmington College (now University of North Carolina at Wilmington) on a baseball and basketball scholarship. During his college athletic career, Wray led his baseball team to the 1963 Junior College World Series Championship by pitching 2 of the 4 winning games. He graduated from Wilmington College in 1966 with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he spent a brief time with the Baltimore Orioles baseball organization. Wray's love of athletics brought him back to Danville for 3 years where he taught school and coached baseball, basketball and football in the Pittsylvania County School system. He influenced many young people during this time and served as an exemplary role model for many. In 1970, he accepted a position as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, serving on the protection detail of many notable foreign and national dignitaries, including President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew. In 1973, Wray was appointed a federal probation officer by the late Judge Ted Dalton and retired 27 years later as Chief Federal Probation Officer for the Western District of Virginia. In 2001, he came out retirement to serve as a Special Investigator with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He served in this capacity until 2010, closing out a rewarding career in federal law enforcement. Wray was a devoted member of Mount Hermon Baptist Church for over 30 years where he served as a deacon and on numerous committees. He touched many lives through his involvement in his church and never missed an opportunity to lead a soul to find the Lord. His spare time was spent at Tuscarora Country Club where he was a member for 40 years. Some of Wray's happiest memories were made on the golf course with his children, grandchildren and a long list of golf buddies too numerous to count. He could often be seen hitting range balls into the sunset or playing an emergency 9 holes. When he was not on the golf course, Wray enjoyed fishing, swimming, story-telling, porch-rocking and making memories with his family at their beloved lake house at Wildwood Lake in Yanceyville, NC. The family will receive friends at the Ware residence, 937 Robertson Lane, Danville, VA. A funeral service will be conducted by Dr. Danny Davis and Dr. Doug Barber on Saturday, January 31st, 2015 at 11:00 am at Mount Hermon Baptist Church, 4385 Franklin Turnpike, Danville, VA. The burial will be immediately following the service at Highland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 971, Chatham, VA, 24531 or the charity of your choice.