William L. Bray

CSM(R) William “Bill” Bray, of Richfield, Minnesota, born in Denver, CO on December 25, 1925 passed away on September 4, 2026 at the age of 100. Bill lived a life marked by extraordinary service, dedication, and patriotism. A proud veteran, he served his country across World War II, the Korean War, Operation White Star, and MACV-SOG (CCS) in Vietnam. He was Ranger- and Special Forces-qualified and served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1947, the Army Air Forces/U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1953, and the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1975. Bill retired from the Army as a Command Sargent’s Major in Special Forces. A member of SFA Chapter XX and SOA Member #228, Bill will be remembered for his courage, commitment, and lifelong devotion to his fellow service members and his country. After Bill’s military career he worked at Northwest Airlines and retired working security at MSP.
Bill was very involved with the American Legion as a lifetime member, Past Commander Post 435 in Richfield and part of the 40/8 as well as a lifetime member of the local VFW.
When Bill was more active, he enjoyed golfing and bowling and was in numerous leagues as well as playing cards with his buddies.
Bill spent a lot of his senior years traveling the country to Legion conventions and visiting his distant families with his late wife’s families.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, F.S. and Mildred Bradbury (Anderson); his sister; one son; and one daughter.
Bill is survived by one son and five daughters as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.