David Earl Pray, aged 85, died on Saturday, February 24, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama. The son of the late Verne E. Pray and Eleanor Brayton Pray, he was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1961 and was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program and was commissioned in Army Ordnance Corps. He later received master’s degrees in business administration from Indiana University and in systems management from the University of Southern California.
During his Army career he served in Vietnam, Germany, and Korea, as well as in numerous locations in the United States. His final assignment was with the Ordnance Center and School at Redstone Arsenal. After retirement from the Army in 1987, Mr. Pray worked for CAS, Inc. in Huntsville as a program analyst and manager. He retired from CAS, Inc. in 2009. His hobbies included playing chess and genealogy. He was of the Methodist faith and was a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Huntsville.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Ae Sun Pray of Huntsville; three daughters, Marcia Linton and husband, Kyle, of Wellington, Colorado, Allison Shontz and husband, Brian, of South Jordan, Utah, and Jennifer Puskarich and husband, John, of Newton, Massachusetts. Also surviving is his sister, Pandora Rulli of Mishawaka, Indiana. Survivors also include four grandchildren, Benjamin Shontz and Julie, Nina, and Mia Puskarich.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Etheridge officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 12901 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, Alabama, 35803.
