Marion Gerome Fray, Jr.

Marion Gerome “Bud” Fray, Jr.

Dr. Bud Fray of Crossville, TN peacefully passed away October 29, 2025, at the age of 97. Bud was born September 28, 1928 in Kennet, MO. He attended Ouachita Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in preparation to serve as a church pastor. He married Jane (Dawley) Fray on August 14, 1949. Together they crafted an epic love story for 76 years. Their adventures took them to Southern Africa where they served as missionaries for 28 years with the International Mission Board, after which Bud returned to teach missions at both of his alma maters. He served as Missions Pastor at Central Baptist Church for 12 years and then as Associate Pastor Emeritus until his official retirement at the age of 85. Bud is survived by his wife, Jane (Dawley) Fray; his children, Carol (David) Crutchley, Jerry (Margot) Fray, Jon (Kristie) Fray, Jeff (Gail) Fray; his siblings, George Fray, Nancy Threet, and Emily Atkins; as well as 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Marion Gerome Fray, Sr.; siblings, Arthur and Paul Fray, Mary Meredith, Joan Stitt, and Ann Tucker. Bud was dearly loved by all who knew him. Memorial donations can be made to the Bud Fray Missions Fund at Central Baptist Church, Crossville, TN.

Visitation will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Sunday, Novemeber 2, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Celebration of Life will be at Central Baptist Church on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 4:30 PM.